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Dietary supplement

Lutein 20 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by The Vitamin Shoppe

Lutein 20 mg label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Lutein 20 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Lutein 20 mg is a dietary supplement by The Vitamin Shoppe with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye health, age-related macular degeneration, cataract prevention.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 Isomers. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Lutein 20 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Lutein 20 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lutein 20 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 13, 2026

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 product contains 2 active ingredients: lutein and zeaxanthin isomers, both carotenoids concentrated in the eye. The softgel is made up of safflower oil, gelatin, sunflower oil, glycerin, purified water, yellow beeswax, soy lecithin, and mixed tocopherols 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: eye and vision 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).

Lutein is rated possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, but possibly ineffective for retinitis pigmentosa, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Zeaxanthin isomers are also rated possibly effective for AMD, but the evidence is insufficient to rate it for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, asthma, breast cancer, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

The strongest evidence for both ingredients centers on eye health in aging.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Zeaxanthin

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.

Lutein from foods and typical supplement doses is generally well tolerated; doses up to 20 mg daily have not caused adverse effects in trials. However, because the safety of higher supplement doses is not well studied, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the facts suggest using caution and checking with your doctor.

Zeaxanthin isomers are also generally well tolerated at typical supplement amounts, though pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data are limited for concentrated supplements. Both ingredients are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, but the caution notes reflect gaps in the research at supplemental doses.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Zeaxanthin

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 similar), check your exact medications with the tool below before starting. Zeaxanthin isomers theoretically raise the risk of low blood sugar when combined with these drugs.

No other major medication interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check.

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 targets eye health, particularly for AMD and cataracts, where both lutein and zeaxanthin have some supporting evidence. If you take diabetes medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist first — zeaxanthin may theoretically increase low blood sugar risk.

Because supplement safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been fully studied, talk it over with your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

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 Mar 25, 2014.

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 The Vitamin Shoppe
Barcode (UPC) 766536030880
Net contents 120 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2014
DSLD ID 31826
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
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 The Vitamin Shoppe, 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 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
766536030880
IngredientAmount% DV
Lutein20 mg--
Zeaxanthin Isomers4000 mcg--

Other ingredients: Safflower Oil, Gelatin, Sunflower Oil, Glycerin, purified Water, yellow Beeswax, Soy Lecithin, Mixed Tocopherols

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.
General Statements

specialty

eye - vision skin antioxidant

{softgel} actual size

Visit www.vitaminshoppe.com or call 1-800-223-1216 for more information and to reorder.

FDA Statement of Identity

dietary supplement

Formulation

gluten free dairy free nut free

Does not contain: Yeast, Corn, Wheat, Gluten, Salt, Dairy, Citrus, Fish, Preservatives, Artificial Colors or Flavors.

Formula

Contains: Soy.

Precautions

Contains: Soy.

WARNING: Consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have any medical conditions.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

TAMPER EVIDENT Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.

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.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) softgel daily, preferably with a meal.

Storage

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE.

General

Item No. VS-3088 1804244 AO 29

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Lutein 20 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe label

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

Lutein 20 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lutein 20 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule 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.

Lutein

No known
interactions
20 mg per serving Form: Marigolds

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

Zeaxanthin Isomers

Interacts with
86 drugs
4000 mcg per serving Form: Marigolds

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 Isomers monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Safflower Oil, Gelatin, Sunflower Oil, Glycerin, Purified Water, Yellow Beeswax, Soy Lecithin, Mixed Tocopherols. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein 20 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe 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

Zeaxanthin Isomers 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Lutein 20 mg interact with 86 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 2 ingredients in Lutein 20 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Zeaxanthin Isomers

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.

Zeaxanthin Isomers1 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
Zeaxanthin Isomers full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

The Vitamin Shoppe

See all The Vitamin Shoppe products
Name
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
City
Secaucus
State
NJ
ZipCode
07094
Phone Number
1-800-223-1216
Web Address
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lutein 20 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions

Does Lutein 20 mg by The Vitamin Shoppe 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.
Will this interact with my blood pressure or cholesterol medication?
No interactions are documented in our data for lutein or zeaxanthin with blood pressure or cholesterol drugs. That said, the only documented interaction concern is with diabetes medications. Run your exact drugs through the checker on this page to be sure.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Both ingredients are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, but the research on concentrated supplement doses is limited. There isn't enough data to know either way for sure. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during pregnancy or while nursing.
Does lutein actually work for cataracts or macular degeneration?
Lutein is rated possibly effective for both AMD and cataracts, meaning there's some evidence but it's not definitive. Zeaxanthin is also rated possibly effective for AMD. The evidence is strongest for eye health as you age, though more research would strengthen those conclusions.
What are lutein and zeaxanthin?
Both are carotenoids — naturally occurring plant pigments — that concentrate in the eye's macula (the part responsible for sharp central vision). They're found in leafy greens and other foods, and this supplement delivers them in higher amounts than food alone typically provides.
Are there any side effects from taking 20 mg of lutein daily?
Lutein at doses up to 20 mg daily has not caused adverse effects in trials and is generally well tolerated. Zeaxanthin isomers at typical supplement amounts are also generally well tolerated, with no adverse effects documented.
Does this product contain any fillers or just the active ingredients?
This softgel contains inactive ingredients including safflower oil, gelatin, sunflower oil, glycerin, purified water, yellow beeswax, soy lecithin, and mixed tocopherols — these are the capsule and oil base that hold and deliver the lutein and zeaxanthin.

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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Lutein 20 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Lutein

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

Read the full Lutein monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with 86 drugs

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 strongest evidence relates to slowing progres...

Read the full Zeaxanthin monograph →
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.

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 →

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 →

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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