Lutein + Zeaxanthin
Last updated: August 9, 2026
Benefits
A carotenoid that concentrates in the retina, where it (with zeaxanthin) helps filter blue light and supports long-term eye health.
How much you need
No Dietary Reference Intake — no RDA and no AI — has been established for Lutein + Zeaxanthin. It's included in Tavita's library for the reasons described above, even though NASEM hasn't set a numeric daily target for it.
Upper limit
No tolerable upper limit has been established for Lutein + Zeaxanthin. That's consistent with there being no standard daily target for it in either direction yet.
Best food sources
| Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kale and spinach | — | — |
| Egg yolks | — | — |
| Corn | — | — |
| Broccoli and peas | — | — |
| Pistachios | — | — |
Absorption & caution
Absorption: Fat-soluble — absorbs best alongside a meal that contains some fat, and unlike water-soluble vitamins, extra amounts are stored in the body rather than excreted.
Body systems & goals
Body systems it supports
- Eyes — The light-sensing tissue at the back of your eyes leans on these nutrients to stay resilient against everyday strain and glare. They help your body maintain sharp, comfortable vision over the long haul. (established evidence)
Frequently asked questions
Is there an upper limit for Lutein + Zeaxanthin?
No tolerable upper limit has been established for Lutein + Zeaxanthin, based on current evidence reviewed by NASEM.
What foods are highest in Lutein + Zeaxanthin?
Good sources include Kale and spinach, Egg yolks, Corn, Broccoli and peas, and Pistachios.
What does Lutein + Zeaxanthin help with?
A carotenoid that concentrates in the retina, where it (with zeaxanthin) helps filter blue light and supports long-term eye health.
How Tavita handles this
Tavita logs Lutein + Zeaxanthin from both the food you eat and the supplements you take, adding both into one running daily total. There's no established daily target or upper limit for Lutein + Zeaxanthin yet, so Tavita shows your intake plainly rather than manufacturing a percentage against a number NASEM hasn't set.
Sources
Figures on this page come from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheets and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Dietary Reference Intake tables — the same dataset that powers the Tavita app. They were independently re-verified by blind re-derivation on August 9, 2026. See the methodology page for how this library is built and kept current.
Tavita is not a medical provider. This page is educational information, not medical advice — talk to your clinician before changing your supplement or medication routine.