No known drug interactions for the matched ingredients — not a guarantee none exist. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Lutein 40 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
No known interaction
The interaction bottom line No known interaction

Lutein 40 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye health, age-related macular degeneration, cataract prevention.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lutein 40 mg by Swanson

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: lutein, a yellow pigment (carotenoid) found naturally in leafy greens and other plants. Your body deposits it in the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of your eye.

The softgel also contains inactive ingredients — sunflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, yellow beeswax, soy lecithin, purified water, and natural tocopherols — that help deliver the lutein and keep the capsule stable.

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: promotes healthy retina and macula, reduces eye strain.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye, Macular telangiectasia type 2 — 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: Lutein is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Retinitis pigmentosa.

Lutein is possibly effective for slowing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — a condition where your central vision gets blurry over time — and possibly effective for cataracts. The evidence for other eye and respiratory conditions it's been studied in (retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia) is not strong enough to say it works, and for necrotizing enterocolitis (a serious intestinal condition in premature infants) the evidence points away from benefit.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient 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 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Lutein from food and typical supplement doses is generally well tolerated in adults. In clinical trials, doses up to 20 mg daily did not produce adverse effects.

Because this product delivers 40 mg — twice that studied amount — safety data for this higher dose in supplements is more limited, so talk with your doctor before starting, especially if you have a condition affecting how your gut absorbs nutrients. The safety of higher supplement doses in pregnancy and while breastfeeding hasn't been well studied, though lutein itself is naturally present in breast milk; there isn't enough data to know either way, so check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lutein

Meds to double-check

No known interactions
Known Interaction Concern · database check
No known interactions

No medication interactions are currently documented for the matched ingredients — that isn't a guarantee none exist.

Why this rating?
  • None of the 1 matched ingredient has a documented medication interaction on file.

No interactions are documented for lutein with any medications in our data.

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Lutein 40 mg is a reasonable choice if you're concerned about age-related macular degeneration or cataracts and want to add a supplement to your routine. Because the 40 mg dose in this product exceeds what's been tested in clinical trials, talk with your doctor first — especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have digestive issues.

Your eye doctor or primary care provider can tell you whether it's a good fit for your situation.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.

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 Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614029818
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 266896
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)
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 Swanson, 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
087614029818
IngredientAmount% DV
Lutein40 mg--

Other ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, yellow Beeswax, Soy Lecithin, Water, Purified, natural 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

swanson.com or call 1-800-437-4148

Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Formulation

Promotes a healthy and strong retina and macula Sourced from marigold flowers Fights eye fatigue and eye strain

Eye and Vision Health

40 mg per softgel

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one softgel per day with food and water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Consult your healthcare provider before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or if you have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Contains soy.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.

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

See for yourself

Lutein 40 mg by Swanson label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lutein 40 mg by Swanson

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Lutein

No known
interactions
40 mg per serving Form: Marigold flower 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: Sunflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Yellow Beeswax, Soy Lecithin, Water, Purified, Natural Tocopherols. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein 40 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Lutein 40 mg. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.

The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Lutein 40 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lutein 40 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Lutein 40 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
We do not currently list a known interaction for the mapped ingredients in Lutein 40 mg. This does not guarantee none exist, so confirm with your pharmacist.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Lutein 40 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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 prevent cataracts or macular degeneration?
The evidence says it's possibly effective for both — meaning studies suggest it may help slow these conditions, but it's not a guaranteed cure or prevention. Talk with your eye doctor about whether adding a lutein supplement makes sense as part of your eye health routine.
Is 40 mg a safe dose?
Lutein at 20 mg daily hasn't caused adverse effects in trials, but this product delivers 40 mg — double that amount. Safety data specifically for 40 mg supplement doses is limited, so check with your doctor before starting, especially if you have digestive issues or take other supplements.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough data on safety of higher supplement doses in pregnancy and breastfeeding, even though lutein naturally appears in breast milk. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before taking it during pregnancy or while nursing.
What is lutein, and where does it come from naturally?
Lutein is a yellow pigment (called a carotenoid) found in leafy greens, egg yolks, and other plant-based foods. Your body deposits it in the retina, the light-sensing tissue in your eye, where it may help protect against age-related damage.
Will this interact with my medications?
No interactions are documented between lutein and any medications in our data. Still, it's always smart to mention any new supplement to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you're on multiple medications or have health conditions.
What are the inactive ingredients, and are there fillers?
The softgel contains sunflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, yellow beeswax, soy lecithin, purified water, and natural tocopherols — these are inactive ingredients that help stabilize and deliver the lutein. If you're sensitive to soy or gelatin, check the label or talk with your pharmacist.

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

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

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Lutein 40 mg’s Ingredients

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

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 2 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 →

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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