Synopsis

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

Carotenoids, a class of pigments found in plants (such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene), have been investigated for their potential role in supporting eye health, including in conditions like diabetic retinopathy (DR). The scientific rationale stems from their antioxidant properties and their presence in the macula of the human retina, where they help neutralize oxidative stress—a key factor in the development and progression of DR. Several observational and interventional studies have examined the relationship between carotenoid intake and diabetic eye disease. Some studies suggest that higher dietary intake or supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin may improve retinal function or reduce the risk of DR progression, likely by protecting retinal cells from oxidative damage and modulating inflammatory responses. However, the clinical evidence supporting carotenoid supplementation specifically for the treatment or prevention of diabetic retinopathy remains limited and inconclusive. Most studies are either small in scale, observational, or focus broadly on eye health rather than DR exclusively. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses typically highlight a lack of robust randomized controlled trials directly demonstrating efficacy for DR. Thus, while there is a plausible scientific basis and some preliminary data, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend carotenoids as a primary intervention for diabetic retinopathy. More rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish clear benefits.

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