Lutemax 2020: Lutein for Every Age

Despite the growing evidence that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health, many patients remain unaware.

“When it comes to patients and nutrition, few have any idea of what’s going on within their eyes,” explained Joseph Allen, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO. Instead, patient behaviors may be driven by popular misconceptions. “People often think that carrots are good for the eyes, and although they do contain β-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, an ocular antioxidant, most people aren’t vitamin A deficient,” he said.

This lack of knowledge can also lead to blind-spots in patient nutrition—as is often the case for lutein and zeaxanthin. Of the ~600 carotenoids found in nature, lutein and zeaxanthin are exclusively concentrated in the macula. There, their function is threefold: alongside the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities shared with other carotenoids, their yellow-orange color lets them act as a shield by absorbing all other wavelengths of light—including high-energy blue wavelengths. Over the past decade, the benefits of having sufficient lutein and zeaxanthin have become increasingly apparent for all ages, including boosting macular pigment density,¹ reducing the risk of progression in age-related conditions such as intermediate macular degeneration and cataracts,^2,3 and improving visual and cognitive performance in children.⁴ Taken together, the results from these and other studies demonstrate not only improved macular pigment optical density (MPOD) scores and serum levels, but also reduced eyestrain and benefits to cognitive function, including improved attention, focus, and episodic and visuospatial memory and processing speed.

Because lutein and zeaxanthin aren’t synthesized by the body, dietary intake is the only method of receiving beneficial amounts; however, few patients’ intake is adequate. “Most of my patients aren’t getting the recommended amounts of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin, based on MPOD testing,” Dr. Allen said. “Our clinic has had this testing since 2016, and the vast majority of patients I’ve seen score around 0.3, which is about average based on research studies looking at US populations. However, some score as low as 0.19.” The few patients that Dr. Allen has seen score around the optimal 0.5 or above have either been consuming a wholefood-rich diet for multiple years, or have been supplementing lutein or zeaxanthin for at least 6 months—something that can be beneficial for individuals struggling to consume a variety of foods within their diet and who require an easier way to guarantee the proper amounts and bioavailability of each component.

Practitioners can sometimes be wary of recommending supplementation to patients, partly due to a lack of general additional education in nutrition for optometrists, alongside the varying efficacy and quality that products within this category range can have—something that Dr. Allen is keenly aware of. However, he said, avoiding supplementation altogether isn’t the answer; instead, the key to discerning which supplements have benefit lies where it always has: within the literature. “Reading the research, the benefits of taking lutein and zeaxanthin supplements become very clear, not just for older adults concerned about age-related eye diseases, but also for younger individuals—even those as young as five and upward. In fact, lutein is already supplemented in baby formulas because its role is so important.”

When reviewing research papers on lutein and zeaxanthin, Dr. Allen continued, readers should take note of which formulation is being studied; this information can usually be determined by looking through the methodology section. One such formulation that might pique interest, he added, is OmniActive’s Lutemax 2020, and most recently its Lutemax Kids. “Lutemax 2020 is a formulation demonstrated to have great efficacy in many publications. Doctors can again confirm this by going through the literature. They’ll see Lutemax 2020 is used in many of these studies,” Dr. Allen said.

Ultimately, for Dr. Allen, awareness of the literature has been instrumental in facilitating important patient discussions. “As an optometrist, reviewing the research has really motivated me to discuss the role of diet and supplementation with parents, and even with patients who are children. I believe that, as doctors, if our goal is not only to help our patients see their best, but also optimizing their eyes for the best possible eye health and cognitive outcomes at all stages of life, then lutein and zeaxanthin are essential.”

Discover the Power of Lutein and Zeaxanthin here. 

1. Ma L, Liu R, Du JH, et al. Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation associated with macular pigment optical density. Nutrients. 2016;8(7):426.

2. Mrowicka M, Mrowicki J, Kucharska E, Majsterek I. Lutein and zeaxanthin and their roles in age-related macular degeneration-neurodegenerative disease. Nutrients. 2022;14(4):827.

3. Roberts JE, Dennison J. The photobiology of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eye. J Ophthalmol. 2015;2015:687173.

4. Parekh R, Hammond BR Jr, Chandradhara D. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation improves dynamic visual and cognitive performance in children: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study. Adv Ther. 2024;41(4):1496-1511.