Lutemax Kids: Exploring the Benefits of Lutein for Children
According to estimates from the Nutrition Business Journal, consumer interest in supplements supporting eye health has been steadily increasing since 2019—and with good reason. The heightened demands of the modern age have placed a greater emphasis on digital device usage. Demographics across the board are impacted, including children. From virtual learning to social media to gaming, protecting children’s eye health has never been more important. According to an Omni Insights survey, prolonged blue light exposure from these digital screens has been a big concern for approximately 73% of consumers. Lutemax Kids may support eye and cognitive health for children.
What is Lutemax Kids?
Lutemax Kids is an extract that contains three nutritionally essential macular carotenoids: lutein, RR-zeaxanthin, and RS (meso)-zeaxanthin. Of the approximately 600 carotenoids found in nature, these three are the only ones that are found in the macula lutea—the center area of the retina. Collectively, lutein, RR-zeaxanthin, and RS (meso)-zeaxanthin make up macular pigment (MP), which helps filter blue light. Lutein and Zeaxanthin from Lutemax Kids are naturally derived from marigold flowers.
The body alone cannot make macular carotenoids. Dietary intake is the only way to ensure optimal levels of these macular carotenoids. Between increased blue light exposure and poor nutritional intake, macular carotenoids are essential nutrients that may need supplementation. In fact, according to our OmniInsights, only one out of eleven children receive the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables necessary for receiving adequate amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Lutein Benefits for Children
The eye and brain partner to process how we perceive and react to the world around us. Macular carotenoids are critical because they play a role in the development of the eyes and brain as early as in utero. Lutein accumulates in specific areas of the brain, such as the frontal cortex, auditory cortex, optical cortex, and hippocampus. These areas are associated with cognition, learning, memory, language comprehension, and information processing. Macular carotenoids also protect the eyes from oxidative stress and filter blue light.
A supplemental study of Lutemax Kids was conducted to determine the efficacy of eye health and cognitive performance support in children. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, sixty healthy male and female children between the ages of five and twelve were administered a Lutemax 2020 supplementation dose of 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin isomers in a gummy once per day vs. placebo for 180 days. Along with a significant increase in lutein and zeaxanthin status, the study had several key findings:
May Reduce Eye Strain and Fatigue
MP at the retina's center protects the eye from absorbing damaging blue light. Macular Pigment Density (MPOD) is a measure of MP’s density. With higher density comes better protection. MPOD was measured using the Macular Densitometer. Eye strain and fatigue were measured using the visual-analogue scale (VAS). The study indicated a big increase in MPOD levels.
May Improve Cognitive Health
Macular carotenoids deposited in the brain early in life have a strong connection to heightened cognitive performance. The study measured cognitive performance via a computer-based assessment tool from Cambridge Brain Sciences. Supplementing with Lutemax 2020 increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It greatly improved several aspects of cognitive health, such as attention, focus/concentration, verbal memory, episodic memory, visuospatial memory, and visuospatial processing speed. MPOD is positively connected with memory in pre-adolescent children. Higher macular pigment density helps children perform better at memory tasks.
May Improve Visual Processing Speed
Visual processing speed (VSP) is the amount of time needed to make a correct judgment about a visual stimulus. VSP was measured using the Critical Flicker Fusion in the study. Results indicate a large increase in VSP.
May Support Healthy Visual Development
With early and adequate intake of macular carotenoids, children may receive support for healthy visual development, which can also play a role in ensuring eye health in later life. Macular carotenoids have a large impact on significant developmental milestones:
Birth: anatomical and structural development
- 4 Years: Fovea—the center of the macula lutea—has matured. It allows for the eye to focus.
- 5 Years: Spatial contrast develops to about half of an adult’s.
- 10 Years: Visual acuity—the ability to distinguish shapes and objects at a distance—matures
- 12 Years: Lens begins to develop pigment
Potential Lutein Side Effects for Children
No scientific studies suggest any known side effects with Lutein for children.
The Lutemax Children Study also had no known side effects or safety issues.
Commitment to Safety and Quality
OmniActive is a partner you can rely on. Lutemax Kids, is a line extension of OmniActive’s pioneering lutein and zeaxanthin extract brand Lutemax 2020, but at a lower dose to help meet the nutritional needs of children. As the NutrAward Best Functional Ingredient and Frost & Sullivan North American Eye Health Ingredient Product Leadership Awards winner, Lutemax 2020 stands as a testament to our commitment to safety and quality. Lutemax Kids and Lutemax 2020 are made from premium marigold flowers grown in India. They are FDA-notified GRAS, USP, and non-GMO project verified, natural, vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and halal certified. Powered by Versabead™—a patented nutrient delivery system that improves product formulation and efficacy—both these ingredients can be easily formulated into various functional foods and beverages for consumers. If you’d like to learn more about our eye health products, visit lutemax.com or contact us today!