lutein

General

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

Pronunciation:
loo-tee-in


Trade Name(s)

  • carotenoid
  • epsilon-carotene-3
  • e-lutein
  • luteina
  • xanthophyll
  • zeaxanthin

Ther. Class.

ocular agents

Common Uses

  • Age-related macular degeneration.
  • Cataracts.
  • Prevention of vision loss or eye disease.

Action

Lutein is a pigment called carotenoid and is one of two major carotenoids found in the human eye. It functions as a light filter, protecting the tissue from sun damage.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

Decreased risk for development of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POUnknownUnknownUnknown

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

  • Hypersensitivity to lutein.

Use Cautiously in:

  • Cystic fibrosis;
  • OB:  Safety not established in pregnancy;
  • Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding;
  • Pedi:   Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: carotendermia

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Natural Drug Interaction

Unknown.

Natural-Natural:

May ↓ absorption of  beta carotene and  vitamin E .

Route/Dosage

PO (Adults): 10–20 mg/day.

Availability

Softgel Capsules: OTC

Tablets: OTC

Gummies: OTC

Powder: OTC

Assessment

  • Assess skin for carotenodermia (yellow tint to skin). Reversible once discontinued.

Implementation

  • PO Administer with fat-containing foods to help with absorption.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Explain purpose and side effects of herb to patient.
  • Advise patient to consult with health care provider before using any herbal supplement, especially when taken concurrently with Rx or OTC medications or vitamins.
  • Advise patient to consult with an ophthalmologist for optimal eye evaluation and care.
  • Rep:  Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or breastfeeding before using this herb.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Decreased risk for development of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.