Luteolin is a flavonoid and lutein is an organic pigment called carotenoid. Both compounds are found in plants, but lutein can also be found in egg yolks and animal fats, which are responsible for the bright yellow, orange, and red colors in foods.
Yes, these two compounds sound similar, but they are different and contribute to distinct health benefits in the body.
So, what is luteolin known for? Luteolin is best known for supporting a healthy immune response and contributing to the body's natural defenses against oxidative stress.
Whereas lutein is primarily associated with eye health and skin benefits. You might see lutein combined with another carotenoid called zeaxanthin for enhanced benefits.
Luteolin vs. Lutein Differences
Luteolin and lutein are often confused due to their similar names, but they're entirely different compounds:
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Luteolin: A flavonoid found in plants like celery and parsley, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, supporting brain health [1].
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Lutein: A carotenoid found in leafy greens and egg yolks, primarily supporting eye health [2].
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of luteolin and lutein, focusing on their benefits, potential side effects, and shared attributes.
Luteolin vs. Lutein Benefits
The main benefits of luteolin and lutein include supporting a healthy immune response and antioxidant potential. Please remember that the benefits we're highlighting were gathered from available research studies, but neither of these compounds is meant to treat, cure, or mitigate any disease.
|
Aspect |
Luteolin |
Lutein |
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Anti-inflammatory Response |
More research has supported the potential of luteolin as an anti-inflammatory agent. Studies are looking into its potential use in supporting chronic inflammation linked to various diseases like arthritis, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegeneration [1, 3]. |
Lutein may have mild anti-inflammatory effects, primarily through its antioxidant activity, particularly in the eyes and skin [2]. |
|
Antioxidant |
Research has noted luteolin's potential to neutralize free radicals throughout the body, protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage [1]. |
Lutein is best known for protecting eye and skin cells from oxidative stress [2]. |
|
Cognitive Support |
Luteolin may support brain health by protecting neurons and reducing inflammation in the nervous system [4]. |
Lutein has limited direct cognitive benefits. Some evidence suggests lutein may indirectly support brain health in older adults [5]. |
|
Eye Health |
Luteolin may indirectly support eye health by reducing systemic inflammation, but no current studies are looking into this specifically. |
Lutein may help maintain macular and retinal health, which is important for protecting against macular degeneration and cataracts [6]. |
Side Effects
Unless you're allergic to either luteolin or lutein and the foods they come from, there aren't really any side effects to be worried about. However, supplements are a concentrated form of these compounds, which can cause some irritation due to an imbalance in the body, which can be expected for supplements.
|
Side Effect |
Luteolin |
Lutein |
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Digestive Issues |
In rare cases, high doses of luteolin may cause stomach upset, like nausea or diarrhea. |
Generally well-tolerated, though excessive supplementation can occasionally cause mild stomach upset. |
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Allergic Reactions |
Allergic reactions to luteolin are rare, but some people sensitive to flavonoids may experience an allergic reaction like rash or itching. |
Allergic reactions to lutein are rare but possible, especially in individuals sensitive to carotenoids. |
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Drug Interactions |
Luteolin supplements may interact with medications such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, so it's important to speak with your healthcare provider to make sure it fits into your regimen. |
Generally safe but may interact with certain medications like cholesterol-lowering drugs. |
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Overdose Risks |
Excessive supplementation might theoretically contribute to oxidative imbalance rather than reducing it, but it's not commonly seen. |
Over-supplementation of lutein could cause skin discoloration (a harmless yellowish hue) [6]. |
Shared Attributes
Luteolin and lutein are both natural compounds found in the plant kingdom. While they're chemically different, they do share some attributes, like their protective roles for cells and supporting the body's natural inflammatory response.
|
Shared Attributes |
Details |
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Antioxidant Support |
Both provide natural antioxidant support that helps the body neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage. |
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Healthy Inflammation Support |
Both have been studied for their potential to support health inflammation, though luteolin has a more systemic impact, while lutein focuses on localized effects on the eyes. |
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Protective Roles |
Both compounds provide cellular protection—luteolin systemically and lutein, specifically in the eyes and skin. |
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Dietary Sources |
Both are naturally found in plant-based foods, making them accessible through a healthy, balanced diet. |
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Supplement Use |
Both can be found as concentrated dietary supplements, though their intended benefits differ (general health for luteolin and eye health for lutein). |
Which One Should You Take?
Take luteolin if you're looking for holistic immune and antioxidant support and want to promote long-term brain health. Lutein supplements are appropriate for those focused on protecting your vision or improving eye health.
The good news is that you don't have to choose one over the other — you can take both supplements.
Luteolin and lutein can complement each other as they target different areas of health. However, we strongly encourage you to consult with a healthcare provider to determine personal dosages and ensure you don't get any negative interactions with your current medications.
Resources:
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Aziz, N., Kim, M. Y., & Cho, J. Y. (2018). Anti-inflammatory effects of luteolin: A review of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 225, 342-358.
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Buscemi, S., Corleo, D., Di Pace, F., Petroni, M. L., Satriano, A., & Marchesini, G. (2018). The effect of lutein on eye and extra-eye health. Nutrients, 10(9), 1321.
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Burton, M. D., Rytych, J. L., Amin, R., & Johnson, R. W. (2016). Dietary luteolin reduces proinflammatory microglia in the brain of senescent mice. Rejuvenation research, 19(4), 286-292.
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Swaminathan, A., Basu, M., Bekri, A., Drapeau, P., & Kundu, T. K. (2019). The dietary flavonoid, luteolin, negatively affects neuronal differentiation. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 12, 41.
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Yagi, A., Nouchi, R., Butler, L., & Kawashima, R. (2021). Lutein has a positive impact on brain health in healthy older adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Nutrients, 13(6), 1746.
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Feng, L., Nie, K., Jiang, H., & Fan, W. (2019). Effects of lutein supplementation in age-related macular degeneration. PLoS One, 14(12), e0227048.
