Lutein & Zeaxanthin Support Childhood Development

Important for childhood neurodevelopment and eye health, evidence suggests Lutein and Zeaxanthin are especially critical during the prenatal period when the baby’s brain is rapidly developing.[1]

Higher intakes of Lutein and Zeaxanthin by pregnant mothers in the first and second trimesters were associated with better offspring verbal intelligence and behaviour regulation in mid-childhood. Researchers also observed enhanced social-emotional development in children of mothers with higher intakes in early pregnancy.[1]

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids that cross the blood-retina barrier to form the macular pigment in the eye.[1] A higher plasma status of Zeaxanthin in pregnant mothers lowers the risk of poor visual acuity in their children, supporting eye health.[2]

[1] Mahmassani HA, et al. Maternal intake of lutein and zeaxanthin during pregnancy is positively associated with offspring verbal intelligence and behavior regulation in mid-childhood in the Project Viva cohort. J Nutr. 2021 Mar;151(3):615-627.

[2] Lai JS, et al. Maternal lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in relation to offspring visual acuity at 3 years of age: the GUSTO study. Nutrients. 2020 Jan;12(2):E274.