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Dietary supplement

Lutein 40 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Natural Brand

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

Lutein 40 mg is a dietary supplement by GNC Natural Brand 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 40 mg by GNC Natural Brand

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 carotenoid ingredients: zeaxanthin and lutein, both naturally occurring compounds that accumulate in the eye. The product also contains several inactive ingredients — soybean oil, gelatin, safflower oil, glycerin, yellow beeswax, soy lecithin, carmine, and titanium dioxide — which help deliver and preserve 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).

Lutein is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Zeaxanthin is also possibly effective for AMD.

For other conditions the product might be marketed for — Alzheimer disease, asthma, and several others — the evidence isn't established in the data we hold, meaning we don't have enough reliable studies to say whether it helps or doesn't.

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 ingredients are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. For pregnancy, the safety data for concentrated supplements isn't extensive, so use caution and talk with your doctor — food sources are fine, but high-dose supplements warrant personalized advice.

The same applies to breastfeeding: lutein is naturally present in breast milk, but concentrated supplement safety hasn't been well studied, so check with your healthcare provider before taking this product while nursing.

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, check your specific medications below before starting — zeaxanthin carries a moderate risk of increasing low blood sugar. No other medication interactions are documented for lutein.

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. If you take diabetes medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it — zeaxanthin could theoretically lower your blood sugar further.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding also warrant a discussion with your healthcare provider before use.

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 Apr 25, 2018.

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 40 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Natural Brand
Barcode (UPC) 048107178932
Net contents 30 Softgel Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2018
DSLD ID 176066
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, Sugar 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 40 mg by GNC Natural Brand, 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 Sofgel Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Sofgel Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107178932
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Fat0.5 Gram(s)1%
Zeaxanthin1 mg--
Lutein40 mg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Safflower Oil, Glycerin, yellow Beeswax, Soy Lecithin, Carmine, Titanium Dioxide

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.
Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Supports eye health

Potency verified by GNC procedure #5296. Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

General

CODE 708022 DSG

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one softgel capsule daily.

Formulation

No sugar, no starch, no artificial flavors, no preservatives, sodium free, no wheat, gluten free, no corn, no dairy, yeast free.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Lutein 40 mg by GNC Natural Brand label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lutein 40 mg by GNC Natural Brand

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

Serving size1 Sofgel Capsule(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.

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
1 mg 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

Lutein

No known
interactions
40 mg per serving

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: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Safflower Oil, Glycerin, Yellow Beeswax, Soy Lecithin, Carmine, Titanium Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein 40 mg by GNC Natural Brand Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lutein 40 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 40 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 40 mg, from the product label.

GNC Natural Brand

See all GNC Natural Brand products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lutein 40 mg by GNC Natural Brand: Common Questions

Does Lutein 40 mg by GNC Natural Brand interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lutein 40 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 40 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 this product have any side effects?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. No adverse effects were reported in trials, and lutein at doses up to 20 mg daily hasn't caused problems in people.
Is this safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
The safety data for concentrated supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding isn't well studied yet. Food sources are fine, but for supplement doses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist — they can advise you based on your individual situation.
What is zeaxanthin and what does it do?
Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid that, like lutein, concentrates in the eye and helps protect it. It's possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration, though it's also been shown to have mild blood-sugar-lowering effects in animal studies.
Will this product help my cataracts?
Lutein is possibly effective for cataracts, meaning there's some evidence it may help, but it's not a replacement for medical care. Talk with your eye doctor about how it might fit into your overall vision health plan.
Can I take this if I have diabetes?
Zeaxanthin may increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with diabetes drugs, so check your specific medications through the tool on this page and run them by your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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

Not sure if Lutein 40 mg is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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 40 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Lutein 40 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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