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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Lutein + Zeaxanthin wins 3 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
12 of 13 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
400mg extract (standardized to 10-30% andrographolides), 3x daily for acute use
At first sign of cold symptoms, With meals
Standardized extract (10-30% andrographolides)
10mg lutein + 2mg zeaxanthin
With a meal containing fat
Softgels with both lutein and zeaxanthin
2-5 days
2-5 days
2-5 days
3-6 months
4-8 weeks
3-6 months
Herbal Medicines for the Treatment of Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
In pooled analyses, when compared with placebo, clinical response rates were significantly higher for Indigo naturalis (IN) (RR 3.70, 95% CI 1.97-6.95), but not for Curcuma longa (CL) (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.99-2.58) or Andrographis paniculata (AP) (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71-1.26).
Safety of Andrographis paniculata: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety (2021) · Meta analysis · n=1000
Incidence of serious AEs was very rare with the pooled incidence (95% CI) from RCTs of 0.02 per 1000 patients (0.0-0.5).
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of Andrographis paniculata standardized extract (ParActin®) on pain reduction in subjects with knee osteoarthritis
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019) · Rct · n=103
Patients treated with 300 or 600 mg/day of ParActin® showed a significant reduction in pain at days 28, 56, and 84 compared with a placebo group.
The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2016) · Meta analysis · n=387569
Meta-analysis showed a lower risk of coronary heart disease (pooled RR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.98) and stroke (pooled RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.93) for the highest compared with the lowest tertile of lutein blood concentration or intake.
Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2023) · Systematic review · n=2445
These studies enroled 11,952 people aged 65 to 75 years and included slightly more women (on average 56% women).
Long-term Outcomes of Adding Lutein/Zeaxanthin and ω-3 Fatty Acids to the AREDS Supplements on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression: AREDS2 Report 28
JAMA ophthalmology (2022) · Rct · n=3882
This study included 3882 participants (mean [SD] baseline age, 72.0 [7.7] years; 2240 women [57.7%]) and 6351 eyes.
Based on RCT showing significant improvement in cough (SMD -0.39) and sore throat symptoms. Conservative effectiveness estimates due to moderate effect sizes in meta-analysis of respiratory infections.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing significant MPOD increases in both AMD patients and healthy subjects. Effect size modest but consistent across studies. Higher doses may increase carotenodermia risk.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Lutein + Zeaxanthin has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 3 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Andrographis and Lutein + Zeaxanthin have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.