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Dietary supplement

Lutein 20 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitamer Laboratories

Softgel 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 Vitamer Laboratories 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 Vitamer Laboratories

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 softgel contains two active ingredients: zeaxanthin and FloraGLO Lutein, both carotenoids (plant pigments) that concentrate in the eye. The product also includes non-GMO sunflower oil, yellow beeswax, soy lecithin, and the capsule itself as inactive ingredients to deliver the actives.

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: supports 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).

Zeaxanthin is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of vision loss in older adults. The evidence for zeaxanthin in age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease is insufficient to rate.

FloraGLO Lutein is possibly effective for both AMD and cataracts, but shows insufficient evidence or ineffectiveness for other eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and retinopathy of prematurity.

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 FloraGLO Lutein are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Zeaxanthin is rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, though concentrated supplements haven't been well studied — dietary amounts from food are fine.

FloraGLO Lutein is also rated likely safe during pregnancy and lactation, but again, high-dose supplements haven't been thoroughly researched, so use caution with supplemental doses during these periods and talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice. Doses up to 20 mg daily have not caused adverse effects in the data we hold.

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.

Antidiabetes drugs (diabetes medications) are the main ones to double-check — zeaxanthin may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with them. No other 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 may help with age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, based on the carotenoid content. If you take antidiabetes medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — there's a theoretical risk of low blood sugar, though it's modest.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or take any other medications, confirm it's right for you with your own healthcare provider.

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 Nov 24, 2015.

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 Vitamer Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 719985180316
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 24, 2015
DSLD ID 53599
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 Vitamer Laboratories, 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)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
719985180316
IngredientAmount% DV
Zeaxanthin860 mcg--
FloraGLO Lutein20 mg--

Other ingredients: non-GMO Sunflower Oil, yellow Beeswax, Soy Lecithin, Capsule

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

Lutein is an antioxidant carotenoid found in large concentrations in the eye. Since the body cannot make lutein, it must be obtained from the diet or supplements. Research shows that lutein intake correlates directly to the amount of lutein found in the macula of the eye. Lutein in the macula protects the eye by blocking harmful blue light rays. Studies suggest a link between adequate lutein levels in the body and less risk of eye disease, especially as we age.

Ester-free lutein may be better absorbed and used by the body compared to the ester form, which requires an extra step to break it down for delivery to cells. Our lutein softgels are encapsulated in a clear gelatin softgel and may show slight variation in color due to the cartenoid pigments that naturally occur.

We guarantee our supplements for potency and purity

Supports eye health

Formula

Our product contains FloraGLO lutein which is obtained naturally from marigold extract and is a proven, purified source of lutein in the ester-free form.

FloraGLO

Seals/Symbols

FloraGLO LUTEIN

Double Verified Gluten Free

Brand IP Statement(s)

FloraGLO is a registered trademark of Kemin.

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

Suggested Use: Take one softgel daily, preferably with food.

Formulation

Contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives; no wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, crustacean shellfish or fish.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

General

VL 180-60F

See for yourself

Lutein 20 mg by Vitamer Laboratories label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lutein 20 mg by Vitamer Laboratories

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 Servings per container60 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
860 mcg per serving

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

FloraGLO Lutein

No known
interactions
20 mg per serving Form: Safflower Oil, Tagetes erecta

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

FloraGLO Lutein monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Non-GMO Sunflower Oil, Yellow Beeswax, Soy Lecithin, Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein 20 mg by Vitamer Laboratories 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.

Vitamer Laboratories

See all Vitamer Laboratories products
Phone Number
1-888-710-0006
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lutein 20 mg by Vitamer Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Lutein 20 mg by Vitamer Laboratories 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.
What's the difference between the two ingredients in this product?
Both zeaxanthin and FloraGLO Lutein are plant pigments that concentrate in your eye, particularly at the macula (the center of your retina). They work together: lutein is possibly effective for both AMD and cataracts, while zeaxanthin is possibly effective for AMD. They're often found together in supplement formulas because they complement each other.
Is this safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Both ingredients are rated likely safe during pregnancy and lactation, but the safety of concentrated supplements (rather than food sources) hasn't been well studied. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product while pregnant or breastfeeding — they can weigh your individual situation and advise you.
Will this help my eyesight?
The evidence shows lutein is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Zeaxanthin is possibly effective for AMD. These aren't cures, and results vary — discuss with your eye doctor whether this supplement might make sense for your specific eye health goals.
Are there any side effects from taking this?
Doses up to 20 mg daily (which is what's in this product) haven't caused adverse effects in the data we hold. Both ingredients are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The product contains non-GMO sunflower oil and yellow beeswax to deliver the active ingredients, plus soy lecithin and a capsule. If you're allergic to soy, that's something to know.
Why do I need to check with my doctor if I take diabetes medication?
Animal studies show zeaxanthin may lower blood sugar, so combining it with antidiabetes drugs could theoretically raise your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your doctor or pharmacist can review your specific medication and help you decide if it's safe for you.

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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