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

Lutein Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Softgel Capsule Category: Amino Acid/protein
No known interaction
The interaction bottom line No known interaction

Lutein is a dietary supplement by NOW 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 by NOW

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. Lutein is a natural pigment found in leafy greens and other plants — your eyes naturally store it in the retina and lens, where it's thought to protect against light damage and support vision as you age.

The softgel also includes inactive ingredients (bovine gelatin, glycerin, water, caramel, extra virgin olive oil, and silicon dioxide) that make up the capsule and help your body absorb the lutein.

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 and macular 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: Lutein is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye, Glaucoma, Myopia, and more.

Lutein is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts — two common eye conditions tied to aging. The evidence here isn't definitive, but it's promising enough that it's worth asking your eye doctor about if you're concerned about those conditions.

For retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis, the research suggests lutein is probably not effective, so don't count on it for those conditions.

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 trials, doses up to 20 mg daily haven't caused adverse effects.

The safety data for pregnancy rates it as likely safe. For breastfeeding, lutein naturally appears in breast milk, but we don't have enough data on whether higher supplement doses are safe, so talk with your doctor or midwife before adding a supplement while 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 in our data for the lutein in this product. You won't have a medication conflict to watch for.

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.

If you're concerned about age-related macular degeneration or cataracts and want to explore lutein as part of your routine, this is a well-tolerated option with no drug interactions to manage. It's worth discussing with your eye doctor whether it fits your individual eye health plan.

Since lutein from food is also protective, you might explore dietary sources alongside or instead of supplementing.

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 May 23, 2024.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739030580
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 23, 2024
DSLD ID 314458
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, 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 by NOW, 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
733739030580
IngredientAmount% DV
Lutein10 mg--

Other ingredients: Bovine Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Caramel, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Silicon 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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 1 softgel daily with a fat-containing meal.

Formula

Lutein is an orange-red carotenoid pigment produced by plants and is present in the diet in colorful fruits and vegetables. In the body, lutein is one of the predominant pigments concentrated in the macula, a specialized area of the eye that is responsible for central vision. In addition, it is known to be deposited in the skin. Lutein's functional role in these vulnerable tissues is to protect against sunlight-induced free radical production.

Triangle K (Kosher) Contains Gelatin.

Triangle K (Kosher) Contains Gelatin. 10 mg of Free Lutein from Lutein Esters

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.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Supports eye health Promotes macular health Free radical protection

Non-GMO

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K (Kosher) Contains Gelatin.

GMP Quality Assured

General Statements

General Health Family owned since 1968.

See for yourself

Lutein by NOW label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lutein by NOW

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
10 mg per serving Form: Lutein Esters, 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: Bovine Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Caramel, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein by NOW Drug Interactions

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Lutein. 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, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW Foods
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
www.nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lutein by NOW: Common Questions

Does Lutein by NOW interact with any medications?
We do not currently list a known interaction for the mapped ingredients in Lutein. This does not guarantee none exist, so confirm with your pharmacist.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Lutein 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 work for preventing cataracts or macular degeneration?
The evidence says lutein is possibly effective for both age-related macular degeneration and cataracts — meaning the research is suggestive but not conclusive. It's worth talking to your eye doctor about whether it's right for your situation.
What's the highest dose that's been tested safely?
Lutein doses up to 20 mg daily have been given in trials without adverse effects reported. This product's dose and your total daily intake (including food) are things to confirm with your eye doctor or pharmacist.
Is it safe to take lutein while I'm breastfeeding?
Lutein is naturally in breast milk, but we don't have enough safety data on higher supplement doses while nursing. Talk with your doctor or midwife before starting a supplement — they can weigh the potential benefit against what we don't yet know.
Can I get enough lutein from food instead of a supplement?
Yes — lutein is naturally present in foods like leafy greens, and food sources are well studied and safe. Whether you need a supplement depends on your diet and your eye health goals, so check with your eye doctor.
What are the inactive ingredients, and are there any I should avoid?
This softgel contains bovine gelatin, glycerin, water, caramel, extra virgin olive oil, and silicon dioxide. If you're vegan or have a beef allergy, the bovine gelatin is something to note — your pharmacist can help you find an alternative if needed.

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

Not sure if Lutein 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 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Lutein’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'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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