A low-dose formulation of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers marketed as Lutemax Kids by OmniActive Health Technologies was associated with improvements in cognitive performance and measures of eye health in a cohort of 60 children between the ages of five and 12.
 
The results of this clinical trial were just published in Advances in Therapy, shortly after the company first shared the results of the study.
 
The study further expands upon previous work supporting the role of the ingredient in adults’ eye health, including the LAMA I and LAMA II (Lutein, Vision, and Mental Acuity) and B.L.U.E. (Blue Light User Exposure) studies, but is the first study of its kind to evaluate potential health benefits in school-aged children.
 
“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,” said Billy Hammond, PhD, professor at the Behavioral and Brain Sciences Program at the University of Georgia and lead researcher in the study.
 
“From improved visual processing speed to eye strain that may result from digital device use, these outcomes serve as a foundation for tailored supplementation in children. It also emphasizes the potential to help meet specific needs of children during a critical developmental phase.”
 
Study Details
 
In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 healthy male and female children were given either a placebo or a daily dose of Lutemax Kids, which contained 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin isomers in a gummy format.
 
The children who took Lutemax Kids saw:
 

• Significantly increased blood concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin;
• Increases in macular pigment optical density (MPOD);
• Increased measures of visual processing speed;
• Decreased reported eye strain and fatigue attributed to digital device usage;
• Significantly improved aspects of cognitive health, including attention, focus, episodic memory, visuospatial memory, and visuospatial processing speed, according to a battery of cognitive tests.

 
“The insights from the study on lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation using Lutemax Kids are promising. Understanding the profound 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,” said Arun Balakrishnan, PhD, chief innovation officer at OmniActive. “Our pioneering efforts with this study come at a critical time when supplement brands are looking to cater to children’s health and wellness needs with safe, plant-based, and efficacious ingredients. As we continue to see the benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin across all life stages, we’re reaffirming lutein and zeaxanthin’s significance in promoting a healthier future for our younger generation across the globe.”
 
Lutemax Kids is a low-dose version of OmniActive’s Lutemax 2020 ingredient, formulated to meet the nutritional needs of children. It was developed to offer supplement brands a preparation of lutein and zeaxanthin which has been clinically studied in children.
 
Last year, OmniActive also launched the “Lutein for Every Age” initiative, which included a survey of U.S. parents. At the time, six of 10 parents reported that they regularly worried about their child’s eye health, prioritizing it above other health needs. However, they were unfamiliar with ways to support it. Only one in ten parents said that their children took a supplement on a daily basis.