Can supplementation with lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) improve cognitive function in young, healthy adults?
Lutein and Zeaxanthin, a randomized trial in 37 participants (Nutrients 2017, PMID 29135938) — lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation can increase central nervous system xanthophyll levels and improve cognitive function in young, healthy adults. Scope: 37 participants, and the abstract states no limitations.
Source: Nutrients 2017, PMID 29135938 ↗ · Research map · How Magellan grades evidence · evidence confidence: low
Nutrients · 2017 · PMID 29135938 · DOI 10.3390/nu9111246
Lutein and zeaxanthin supplements may improve memory, reasoning, and attention in young adults.
The question
Can supplementation with lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) improve cognitive function in young, healthy adults?
What they tested
The study hypothesized that L + Z supplementation would improve cognitive function in young adults, based on previous findings in older adults.
How they did it
Fifty-one young, healthy adults (age 18-30) were randomized into an active supplement group (n=37) or a placebo group (n=14). Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and cognitive function, measured using the CNS Vital Signs platform, were assessed every four months over a one-year supplementation period.
What they found
Supplementation with L + Z significantly increased MPOD over the year compared to placebo. This daily supplementation and the increase in MPOD led to significant improvements in spatial memory, reasoning ability, and complex attention, beyond what could be attributed to practice effects.
What it means
Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation can increase central nervous system xanthophyll levels and improve cognitive function in young, healthy adults.
Limitations
The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the study.
Where the published abstract does not list limitations, we say so rather than inventing them. Read the full paper on PubMed before drawing conclusions.
The paper at a glance
| Title | Effects of a Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intervention on Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial |
|---|---|
| Journal | Nutrients |
| Year | 2017 |
| PMID | 29135938 ↗ |
| DOI | 10.3390/nu9111246 ↗ |
| Topic | Brain, cognition & mood |
Read the source: PubMed record (authors, abstract, full citation) ↗ · Publisher via doi.org ↗
Where Magellan uses this paper
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Targeted Organ-Support Nutrients
The individual ingredients carry uneven levels of human evidence. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the best supported, with large trials (AREDS2) and RCTs linking them to eye and cognitive health, though some endpoints were null (the AREDS2 primary AMD endpoint and macular-pigment change in the LIMPIA trial).
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
The best human evidence concerns eye health in aging: in the landmark AREDS2 randomized trial, adding lutein/zeaxanthin to the AREDS formula missed its primary endpoint, but ten-year follow-up found the pair reduced progression to late disease and proved a safe replacement for beta-carotene, which nearly doubled…
NOVOS Vital is a multi-ingredient gummy supplement marketed for whole-body organ support, combining…
Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids—yellow-to-orange plant pigments obtained from the…
Research describes the compound or intervention studied. It is not a claim about any specific product.
Molecules & mechanisms in this paper
Each of these is named in the paper’s own words above. Open the monograph for the full mechanism and its other citations.
Cite this page
These citations point at this summary. To cite the original paper with its full author list, use the PubMed record or doi.org.
Magellan Longevity. (2026). Can supplementation with lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) improve cognitive function in young, healthy adults? [Plain-English summary of Nutrients 2017, PMID 29135938, DOI 10.3390/nu9111246]. Magellan Longevity. https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d29135938.html@misc{magellan_d29135938,
title = {Can supplementation with lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) improve cognitive function in young, healthy adults?},
author = {{Magellan Longevity}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d29135938.html}},
note = {Plain-English summary of PubMed PMID 29135938; DOI 10.3390/nu9111246; Nutrients 2017. Reviewed by Gabriel Radu, DO},
urldate = {2026-08-11}
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