New Research Supports Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Brain Health

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two nutrients with a well-supported reputation for eye health. Exciting new science has added evidence for the role of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation for brain health and performance as well.

Ideally individuals would consume sufficient lutein and zeaxanthin from foods, such as leafy green vegetables, corn and eggs. Unfortunately, the average diet in most parts of the world only contains about 1 to 2 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin.^1-5 Many health professionals recommend 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin to support eye health and increase macular pigment density.⁶

Adding to the rationale for 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin, three new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials using FloraGLO® Lutein and zeaxanthin have shown benefits for brain health.

Enhanced complex attention and cognitive flexibility

In Hammond, et al., FloraGLO Lutein and zeaxanthin were shown to support improved complex attention and cognitive flexibility as compared to placebo. The participants (healthy, older adults) supplemented with either 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin or placebo for one year and received cognitive testing at the beginning and end of the study. The results suggest that lutein and zeaxanthin have a positive impact on higher level brain functions.⁸

FloraGLO Lutein is the most studied lutein brand for both eye and brain health. These new studies add exciting evidence to show the value of FloraGLO Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation - in addition to a healthy diet - to support brain health and performance. Contact Kemin Human Nutrition and Health to learn more about formulating with FloraGLO.

Subscribe to our Blog

References

1. Granado F, et al. (2007). Public Health Nutr. 10: 1018-1023.
2. O’Neil M, et al. (2001). Br J Nutr. 85: 499-507.
3. Lucarini M, et al. (2006). Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 76: 103-109.
4. Amanio R, et al. (2012). Seguranca Alimentar e Nutriciional 19: 130-140.
5. Hosatani K, et al. (2012). Ophthalmol. 115: 147-157.
6.  Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Research Group (2014). JAMA Ophthalmol. 132: 142-149.
7. Lindbergh, et al. (2017) Lutein and Zeaxanthin Influence Brain Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 23, 1–14.
8. Hammond BR Jr. et al. (2017) Effects of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Supplementation on the Cognitive Function of Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Front. Aging Neurosci. 9:254.
9. Renzi-Hammond et al. (2017) Effects of a Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intervention on Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Younger Healthy Adults, Nutrients, 9, 1246; doi:10.3390/nu9111246.