🇺🇸 FDA
GRAS (marigold extract) · DSHEA dietary supplement
Lutein (Marigold-derived xanthophyll)
Also known as: (3R,3′R,6′R)-β,ε-carotene-3,3′-diol · Marigold extract
Mechanism of action
- Macular pigment density accumulation
- Blue light filtering (~470 nm peak absorbance)
- Singlet oxygen quenching in retinal tissue
- Anti-inflammatory in retinal pigment epithelium
Molecular + tissue targets
- Macular tissue (fovea + perifovea)
- Retinal pigment epithelium
- Crystalline lens
Dosage range
10 mg/day lutein (AREDS2 formula · PMID 35653117); 20 mg/day for cataract/visual function studies
Safety notes
Generally well tolerated; carotenodermia (yellow skin) at sustained > 30 mg/day; safer than β-carotene for smokers (no CARET/ATBC lung cancer signal)
Cross-market regulatory status
🇪🇺 EFSA
Authorized food additive E161b; no health claim
🇧🇷 ANVISA
RDC 243/2018 dietary supplement · IN 28/2018 alegação funcional not specifically authorized
Common use cases
- eye-protection (AMD progression delay · AREDS2)
- visual contrast sensitivity
- blue-light screen-fatigue support
Cross-reference
Health goals: eye protection longevity stack
Lifestyles: senior 60 plus high stress
Full dossier: /ingredients/lutein/
Machine-readable JSON: /api/nc/lutein.json