Subscription banner for an ophthalmic newsletter
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Improve Eye Health and Cognitive Functions in Children

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Improve Eye Health and Cognitive Functions in Children

February 22, 2024

OmniActive Health Technologies announced the completion of a novel supplementation study on Lutemax Kids, its proprietary low-dose extract of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers. This study, a first of its kind and published in Advances in Therapy, showcases the positive effects of Lutemax Kids on vision performance and cognitive abilities in children.

Key Findings of the Lutemax Children’s Study

The Lutemax Children's Study, building on OmniActive's prior research on adult supplementation, has uncovered significant benefits of Lutemax Kids on school-aged children's eye health and cognitive performance. Dr. Billy Hammond, the study's lead researcher, emphasized, “The study results demonstrated that Lutemax Kids supplementation contributes positively to aspects of eye health and cognitive performance in school-aged children, echoing the well-documented benefits observed in adults.”

The Impact on Children’s Eye Health and Cognition

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial spanned 180 days and included 60 healthy male and female children. The children received either a daily dose of Lutemax Kids or a placebo. The outcomes indicated that supplementation with Lutemax Kids led to:

● Significant increases in blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin

● Increased macular pigment optical density (M.P.O.D.) levels

● Enhanced visual processing speed

● Reduced eye strain and fatigue from digital device use

● Notable improvements in cognitive health, including attention, focus, episodic memory, visuospatial memory, and processing speed

Dr. Arun Balakrishnan, Chief Innovation Officer at OmniActive, highlighted the importance of these findings, stating, “Understanding the impact of these vital nutrients on young eyes and minds is a game changer, shedding light on their role in fostering well-being from an early age.”

Addressing the Nutritional Needs of Children

Lutemax Kids is a strategic extension of OmniActive's Lutemax 2020 brand, offering a clinically studied, plant-based, and efficacious ingredient to supplement brands focusing on children's health and wellness. This comes at a crucial time when awareness about nutrition and eye health among children is more important than ever.

Nutrition Awareness and Parental Insights

OmniActive's “lutein for every age” initiative, including a US parent survey, revealed a growing concern among parents about their children's eye health, albeit with a lack of knowledge on how to support it effectively. The survey showed that while many parents prioritize eye health, there is a significant gap in awareness regarding effective nutritional support.