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Dietary supplement

Lutein 20 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Preventive Nutrition

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Lutein 20 mg is a dietary supplement by GNC Preventive Nutrition with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye and macular health, age-related macular degeneration (amd), protection from blue light.Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Zeaxanthin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lutein 20 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This supplement contains 2 active ingredients: zeaxanthin and lutein, both carotenoids that concentrate in the eye's macula (the central part of the retina). The product also includes spinach leaf powder, cellulose, and gelatin as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Support eye health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Central serous retinopathy, Choroideremia, Diabetic retinopathy — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cataracts.
  • Also on file: Zeaxanthin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

For age-related macular degeneration (AMD), both zeaxanthin and lutein are rated possibly effective based on available evidence. Lutein is also possibly effective for cataracts.

The evidence for zeaxanthin and lutein in age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, asthma, and several other conditions is insufficient—we simply don't have enough reliable data yet. Lutein is rated possibly ineffective for retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Zeaxanthin Lutein

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Both zeaxanthin and lutein are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Zeaxanthin and lutein from food sources are fine in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but safety data on concentrated supplements during these times is limited.

The facts note that lutein is naturally present in breast milk. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement dose, since there isn't enough data to know how higher supplement amounts compare to food sources.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Zeaxanthin Lutein

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Zeaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take antidiabetes drugs—insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, or others—double-check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Zeaxanthin may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with these drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is worth considering if you're looking at eye health, especially for macular degeneration or cataracts. If you take any blood sugar medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist first—zeaxanthin may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people should discuss this supplement with their own healthcare provider before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 23, 2011.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Lutein 20 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Preventive Nutrition
Net contents 30 Pack(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 23, 2011
DSLD ID 3533
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Lutein 20 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
Zeaxanthin1 mg--
Lutein20 mg--

Other ingredients: Spinach Leaf Powder, Cellulose, Gelatin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Lutein 20 mg

DIABETIC

General Statements

ACTUAL SIZE

Lutein Provides lutein to support eye health.* Lutein is an important carotenoid present in the central area of the retina.

Potency verified by GNC procedure #5031. Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

GNC GUARANTEE Use and GNC supplement for as little as 10 days. If you are not 100% completely satisfied, return the unused portion of the product with proof of purchase to your GNC store for a complete refund of your purchase price. No questions asked!

GNC QUALITY COMMITMENT GNC, the leader in the development and manufacture of dietary supplements, is committed to producing the highest quality products available. This commitment begins with quality designed supplement formulations. Every raw material that goes into a GNC supplement is guaranteed as to quality and potency. Each product is dated and then shipped immediately to our stores, so you can be sure you are purchasing the freshest supplements available. At GNC, we extend our quality commitment to you by offering our money-back guarantee.

NEW NOW WITH FISH OIL

Precautions

CONTAINS: Fish.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: As a dietary supplement, take the contents of one pack daily.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Preventive Nutrition(R) Diabetic Nutrition Plan The Preventive Nutrition(R) Diabetic Plan is a scientifically designed plan for the special dietary needs of people with diabetes. A healthy diet is essential for people with diabetes. This convenient pack contains nutrients that address some of the primary health concerns of people with diabetes: blood glucose support, eye health and cardiovascular health.

Preventive Nutrition(R) Diabetic Nutrition Plan offers nutritional support for the special dietary needs of people with diabetes. Use in conjunction with a nutritionally balanced diet suitable for persons with diabetes to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and improve circulatory and eye health.

General

CODE 765112 ILG

See for yourself

Lutein 20 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lutein 20 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
1 mg per serving Form: Marigold extract

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The stron...

Zeaxanthin monograph & interactions

Lutein

No known
interactions
20 mg per serving Form: Marigold extract

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help...

Lutein monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Spinach Leaf Powder, Cellulose, Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein 20 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lutein 20 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
86Drugs
86 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Lutein 20 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Zeaxanthin1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking zeaxanthin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In an animal diabetic model, zeaxanthin has hypoglycemic effects. However, population research has found that increasing intake of dietary zeaxanthin plus lutein does not decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Lutein 20 mg, from the product label.

GNC Preventive Nutrition

See all GNC Preventive Nutrition products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lutein 20 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Lutein 20 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lutein 20 mg has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Lutein 20 mg contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does lutein actually work for eye problems?
Lutein is rated possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts based on the evidence we have. The evidence for other eye conditions in this product is either insufficient or suggests it may not help. Talk with your eye doctor about whether it's right for your situation.
Is this safe to take if I'm pregnant?
Lutein from food is fine in pregnancy, but safety data on supplement doses is limited. The facts rate both ingredients as likely safe, but you should discuss this supplement with your doctor before starting it, since there isn't enough data to know how concentrated doses compare to what you'd get from food.
Will this supplement interfere with my blood sugar medication?
Zeaxanthin in this product may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar when taken with antidiabetes drugs. Check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement.
What's the difference between lutein and zeaxanthin?
Both are carotenoids that collect in the macula of the eye and support eye health. This product contains both because they work together, though the research is strongest for age-related macular degeneration.
Are there any side effects at this dose?
Lutein at doses up to 20 mg daily—which is what this product contains—has not caused adverse effects in studies. Both ingredients are generally well tolerated at typical supplement amounts.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Lutein 20 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Lutein 20 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Lutein 20 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 6 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Zeaxanthin 4 references
  1. Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. PubMed
  2. Leermakers ET, Darweesh SK, Baena CP, et al. The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;103(2):481-94. PubMed
  3. Kou L, Du M, Zhang C, Dai Z, Li X, Zhang B. The Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017;182(3):944-955. PubMed
  4. Xu X, Zhao X, Berde Y, Low YL, Kuchan MJ. Milk and Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Chinese Breast-Feeding Mother-Infant Dyads With Healthy Maternal Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Am Coll Nutr 2019;38(2):179-184. PubMed

See these in context on the Zeaxanthin monograph →

Lutein 2 references
  1. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:517-24. PubMed
  2. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509-16. PubMed

See these in context on the Lutein monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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