Lutein and zeaxanthin (LZ) are the only carotenoids exclusively deposited in the macula, and preferentially accumulated in the learning and processing regions of the brain. Scientific evidence supports the role for LZ across the lifespan. Dietary intakes LZ are dismally low among adults and supplementation studies have demonstrated benefits for eye health and cognitive outcomes in adults. Dietary intakes are even lower among children with intakes inversely correlated with cognitive performance. Supplementation studies with lutein are missing in children. The goal of our study was to ascertain whether lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation could influence visual and cognitive outcomes in this vulnerable population. Methods: Sixty children, 5-12 years, were supplemented with 12 mg (LZ) or placebo for 180 days. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints included serum levels of LZ, visual processing speed using Critical Fusion Flicker Photometry, and eye strain and fatigue using the Visual-Analog Scale. Additional secondary endpoints involved the Creyos Health (CH) platform to assess attention, focus/concentration, episodic memory and learning, visuospatial working memory, and visuospatial processing speed. Results: The LZ group showed significant increases in serum LZ in parallel with significant increases in MPOD through the study. Visual performance outcomes were favorably influenced by LZ supplementation including reduced eye strain and fatigue as a result of digital device use. Episodic memory and learning, visuospatial working memory, and attention were significantly increased at d90 and d180 of the supplementation period. Conclusions: This is the first clinical study demonstrating LZ supplementation benefits children and corroborates evidence in adults as it relates to eye and brain health, mainly driven by the ability of LZ to increase macular pigment levels. These data are especially relevant given the dismally low intakes of LZ in children, and the wide prevalence of digital device use among children.

Deshanie Rai is an accomplished scientist with more than 20 years of experience focused on developing, translating, and disseminating science on health and wellness. She has made significant contributions to self-care through roles in academia and R&D including Discovery, Scientific, Regulatory, Advocacy, and Medical Affairs. She has led the design, implementation, and translation of preclinical and clinical studies across multiple therapeutic areas including vision performance and eye health, cognition, gastrointestinal health and microbiome. She has supported new product launches for infants, children, and adults across several geographies. She is well-versed in the regulations on dietary supplements and OTC products as per local regulatory requirements of multiple countries. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals. She has been an invited speaker and moderator in national and international venues including media-related events. She is actively involved in advocacy through her leadership roles in Trade Organizations and Scientific Committees. Deshanie is currently the Chair of the Senior Scientific Advisory Committee at the Council for Responsible Nutrition. She is also an elected board member of Council for Responsible Nutrition and the Science Board of the International Life Sciences Institute, NA and Canada. Dr. Rai is the recipient of several academic and industry awards.