• Carotenoid interactions during absorption and in postabsorptive metabolism have been observed in both human and animal studies. We reviewed the mutual interactions reported between lutein and beta-carotene and report new data on the postprandial beta-carotene and retinyl ester response in the triglyceride-rich plasma lipoprotein (TRL) fraction in volunteers after a single test meal with beta-carotene alone, or beta-carotene combined with lutein or lycopene. Results indicate an inhibitory effect of lutein on beta-carotene absorption, but apparently not on beta-carotene cleavage. In a comparative study with two beta-carotene/lutein ratios (2:1 and 1:2, respectively), this inhibitory effect of lutein was found to be most marked when lutein was the predominant carotenoid. In studies on plasma (serum) response also an inhibitory effect of beta-carotene on lutein response was observed.
  – Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1998;68(6):360-5. — Effect of lutein on beta-carotene absorption and cleavage. — van den Berg H.

• Use caution if you have eye problems as the effects of high dose and long term supplementation are unknown.

Nutrient Values

Fruits Vegetables Fish and Seafood Meat and Poultry Nuts

• Herbal Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings

• Supplement Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings

• Prescription Drug Interactions and Warnings

• Prescription Information Resources

• Disease Information