Evidence supporting the use of: Lutein
For the health condition: Aging (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lutein is a carotenoid antioxidant commonly found in green leafy vegetables and is widely studied for its role in eye health and age-related conditions. While lutein is not a generalized anti-aging supplement for all aspects of aging, it has been scientifically validated for its role in supporting vision and potentially delaying age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of vision loss in older adults. Several observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that higher dietary intake or supplementation of lutein is associated with increased macular pigment density and reduced risk or progression of AMD. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), a large multicenter trial, found that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin was beneficial in reducing the progression of advanced AMD compared to placebo.

However, evidence for lutein’s role in broader aging processes—such as cognitive decline, skin aging, or overall lifespan extension—is limited and less robust. Some preliminary studies suggest potential neuroprotective and skin health benefits due to lutein’s antioxidant properties, but these findings are not yet conclusive or widely replicated. Overall, lutein’s use in aging prevention is scientifically justified mainly for age-related visual conditions, with moderate-quality evidence (hence a rating of 2) for those effects, and much weaker support for other aspects of aging.

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