To investigate the antioxidant effect of lutein on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDEA)-induced oxidative stress in mice, we measured lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase of various tissues. Body weight was almost similar in lutein and control groups during 3 weeks. NDEA increased significantly the activities of typical marker enzymes of liver function (AST, ALT and ALP) in both groups. However, the increase of plasma aminotransferase activity significantly decreased in lutein group. Lipid peroxidation and SOD in various tissues, such as heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen and plasma were significantly increased by NDEA, which were significantly reduced by lutein at a dose of 50 mg/kg. Catalase activity decreased significantly in control and lutein groups treated with NDEA, the effect being less in lutein group. Lesser effect on SOD and catalase in NDEA-treated lutein group indicates the improvement of protective mechanisms by lutein. Thus, it can be concluded from the present study that lutein can offer a useful protection against NDEA-induced oxidative stress.