An Introduction to Dosing With Lutein
There are no clearly established dosage recommendations for many natural products and
dietary supplements. However, there seems to be some consensus about appropriate
lutein doses, at least for some uses.
Lutein Dosage for Eye Health
The typical dose of lutein for eye health ranges from 6 mg to 10 mg per day. The 6-mg dosage is most often used to prevent age-related
macular degeneration (AMD) or
cataracts. The higher amount is typically recommended for treating the symptoms of macular degeneration instead of preventing it. People who already have a high dietary intake of lutein may not need to supplement as much, or may not need supplements at all.
There are no standard recommended lutein doses for other uses, such as for promoting heart health. With so little guidance available, it may be reasonable just to use the standard dosages for eye health (6 mg to 10 mg a day). Many multivitamins now contain lutein in a low amount, such as 0.25 mg per day, although it is doubtful that this dose is enough to be of much benefit.
General Information on Lutein Use
Some considerations to keep in mind when taking this supplement include the following:
- Lutein is most commonly available in tablets or capsules, and is typically taken by mouth once daily.
- Be aware that many eye supplements, including lutein supplements, contain several other active ingredients as well. This may be important when considering an appropriate dosage.
- Not all dietary supplements are created equal. Some manufacturers are more reliable and trustworthy than others. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist may be able to help recommend a trustworthy manufacturer for you.
- If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or lutein dosing in general, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.