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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Probiotics wins 1 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
12 of 13 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
18 of 26 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
10mg lutein + 2mg zeaxanthin
With a meal containing fat
Softgels with both lutein and zeaxanthin
10-20 billion CFU
With or without food (strain-dependent), Same time daily for consistency
Capsules with multiple strains
3-6 months
4-8 weeks
3-6 months
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
First 1-2 weeks
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.
Preventive Effect of Probiotics on Oral Mucositis Induced by Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
International journal of molecular sciences (2022) · Meta analysis · n=708
Three trials using Lactobacilli-based probiotics reported that the incidence of oral mucositis in the probiotic group was significantly low (risk ratio [RR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77−0.93, p = 0.0004).
Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020) · Meta analysis · n=12127
Effect size was similar in the sensitivity analysis and marked heterogeneity persisted.
Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in adults and children
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2017) · Meta analysis · n=9955
A complete case analysis (i.e. participants who completed the study) among trials investigating CDAD (31 trials, 8672 participants) suggests that probiotics reduce the risk of CDAD by 60%.
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.
Based on meta-analyses showing benefits for IBS and digestive symptoms. Effect sizes varied considerably between studies with low to very low certainty of evidence. Initial GI symptoms common when starting but typically resolve within 1-2 weeks.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Probiotics has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 9/10) and wins in 1 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Lutein + Zeaxanthin and Probiotics have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.