Meta Information
ID:lutein
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/dietary/high-fat-meal
Target name:
Meal Containing Dietary Fat
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Lutein is a fat-soluble carotenoid, meaning it requires dietary fat to be properly absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream.
Actionable advice:
Always take your lutein supplement with a meal that contains a source of healthy fat (e.g., olive oil, avocado, nuts).
Target id:
/class/bile-acid-sequestrants
Target name:
Bile Acid Sequestrants
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol) bind to bile acids, which are essential for forming the micelles needed to absorb fat-soluble nutrients like lutein.
Actionable advice:
Take lutein at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking a bile acid sequestrant.
Target id:
/intervention/orlistat
Target name:
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Orlistat is a weight-loss medication that works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat, which consequently blocks the absorption of fat-soluble lutein.
Actionable advice:
Separate your lutein dose from Orlistat by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/condition/smoking-status
Target name:
Smoking
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Smoking creates significant oxidative stress throughout the body, which depletes circulating levels of antioxidants, including lutein, increasing the body's demand for it.
Actionable advice:
If you smoke, your requirement for lutein is higher; consider smoking cessation for overall health.
Target id:
/intervention/beta-carotene
Target name:
Beta-Carotene Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
4
Description:
High doses of beta-carotene can compete with lutein for absorption in the intestine, as they share the same transport mechanisms.
Actionable advice:
If taking a high-dose beta-carotene supplement, separate it from lutein by at least 4 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/zeaxanthin
Target name:
Zeaxanthin
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Lutein and zeaxanthin are both deposited in the eye's macula, where they work together to filter harmful blue light and protect against oxidative damage.
Actionable advice:
For optimal eye health, take lutein in combination with zeaxanthin, as they are often found together in nature and in effective supplements.
Target id:
/intervention/meso-zeaxanthin
Target name:
Meso-Zeaxanthin
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Meso-zeaxanthin is the third carotenoid found in the macula, located at its center, and works synergistically with lutein and zeaxanthin to form a complete macular pigment shield.
Actionable advice:
Consider a formula that includes all three macular carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin) for comprehensive eye support.
Target id:
/condition/heavy-alcohol-use
Target name:
Chronic Heavy Alcohol Use
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Excessive, chronic alcohol intake can impair liver function, which is critical for the metabolism, transport, and storage of carotenoids like lutein.
Actionable advice:
Limit alcohol consumption to support healthy liver function and maintain adequate lutein levels.
Target id:
/class/viscous-fibers
Target name:
Viscous Fiber Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
High doses of gel-forming fibers like psyllium, pectin, or guar gum can trap fat-soluble nutrients in the gut, slightly reducing their absorption.
Actionable advice:
Separate lutein from high-dose viscous fiber supplements by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/class/iron-supplements
Target name:
Non-Heme Iron Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
High concentrations of supplemental iron (non-heme) taken with a meal can promote oxidation of carotenoids, potentially reducing the amount of lutein absorbed.
Actionable advice:
If taking a high-dose iron supplement, separate it from your lutein dose by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/dietary/olestra
Target name:
Olestra (Fat Substitute)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Olestra is a non-digestible fat substitute that binds to fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids in the gut, causing them to be excreted from the body unabsorbed.
Actionable advice:
Avoid consuming foods containing Olestra (often found in certain 'fat-free' snack foods).
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin-e
Target name:
Vitamin E
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Vitamin E is another fat-soluble antioxidant that can help protect lutein from oxidation during digestion and transport, potentially enhancing its stability and effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Ensuring adequate Vitamin E intake may help support the antioxidant function of lutein.