Effects of lutein supplementation in age-related macular degeneration

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in adults with age-related macular degeneration, including dry, early, wet, and mixed-stage disease. Studies were conducted across multiple regions, including Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.

Lutein supplementation was evaluated across nine randomized trials in adults with AMD, using doses from 1.1 mg/day to 20 mg/day for 3 to 24 months. Some regimens used lutein alone, while others combined lutein with zeaxanthin and, in a few trials, DHA and EPA versus placebo.

Overall, lutein-containing regimens improved macular pigment optical density and were associated with better visual outcomes in AMD. Across nine studies, the pooled effect on MPOD favored supplementation with an MD of 0.07; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.10. The authors concluded that lutein at 10 or 20 mg/day for more than 6 months can significantly improve MPOD and visual acuity, with some evidence that higher doses increase MPOD more quickly. Some trials also reported improvements in contrast sensitivity and serum lutein levels.

The evidence base was heterogeneous, with differences in dose, formulation, disease stage, outcome measurement methods, and follow-up duration. Several trials were small, some outcomes were not consistently reported, and adverse event data were not detailed in the extracted source. The pooled estimate is therefore supportive but not fully uniform across studies.