Can supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin improve visual and cognitive performance in preadolescent children?
Lutein and Zeaxanthin, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Adv Ther 2024, PMID 38363462) — the LZ group showed significant increases in MPOD starting at day 42 and at all subsequent visits compared to placebo. Scope: over 180 days, and the abstract states no limitations.
Source: Adv Ther 2024, PMID 38363462 ↗ · Research map · How Magellan grades evidence · evidence confidence: low
Adv Ther · 2024 · PMID 38363462 · DOI 10.1007/s12325-024-02785-1
Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation improved visual and cognitive function and reduced eye strain in children aged 5-12.
The question
Can supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin improve visual and cognitive performance in preadolescent children?
What they tested
Supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin will improve visual and cognitive outcomes in preadolescent children, similar to findings in adults.
How they did it
Sixty children (5-12 years old) were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either gummies with 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin (LZ) or placebo for 180 days in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Primary endpoint was macular pigment optical density (MPOD), with secondary endpoints including serum L and Z, BDNF, critical flicker fusion (CFF), eye strain/fatigue (VAS), sleep habits (CSHQ-A), and Creyos Health cognitive domains. Safety was monitored via physical exams, vital signs, lab tests, and adverse event tracking.
What they found
The LZ group showed significant increases in MPOD starting at day 42 and at all subsequent visits compared to placebo. Significant increases in serum lutein, reduced eye strain and fatigue, and improved cognitive performance (focus, episodic memory and learning, visuospatial working memory) were observed at days 90 and 180 in the LZ group. By day 180, the LZ group also showed significant increases in processing speed (CFF), attention, visuospatial processing, and serum Z and BDNF levels compared to placebo. No safety concerns were reported.
What it means
Supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin in preadolescent children increased MPOD, serum L, Z, and BDNF levels, which were associated with improved visual and cognitive performance and reduced eye strain and fatigue. The supplement was safe and well tolerated.
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 | Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation Improves Dynamic Visual and Cognitive Performance |
|---|---|
| Journal | Adv Ther |
| Year | 2024 |
| PMID | 38363462 ↗ |
| DOI | 10.1007/s12325-024-02785-1 ↗ |
| Topic | Brain, cognition & mood |
Read the source: PubMed record (authors, abstract, full citation) ↗ · Publisher via doi.org ↗
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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…
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 and zeaxanthin improve visual and cognitive performance in preadolescent children? [Plain-English summary of Adv Ther 2024, PMID 38363462, DOI 10.1007/s12325-024-02785-1]. Magellan Longevity. https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38363462.html@misc{magellan_d38363462,
title = {Can supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin improve visual and cognitive performance in preadolescent children?},
author = {{Magellan Longevity}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38363462.html}},
note = {Plain-English summary of PubMed PMID 38363462; DOI 10.1007/s12325-024-02785-1; Adv Ther 2024. Reviewed by Gabriel Radu, DO},
urldate = {2026-08-11}
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