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 relevant macular carotenoids: lutein, RR-zeaxanthin, and RS (meso)-zeaxanthin. Of the approximately 600 carotenoids found in nature, these three are the only ones that accumulate 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.
The body cannot make macular carotenoids. The only way to ensure optimal levels of these macular carotenoids is through dietary intake. Between increased blue light exposure and poor nutritional intake, macular carotenoids are considered important nutrients that may require supplementation. In fact, it has been reported that only one out of eleven U.S. children receive the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables necessary for adequate exposure to lutein and zeaxanthin.
Lutein and zeaxanthin from Lutemax Kids† are naturally derived from marigold flowers.
Lutein Benefits for Children
The eye and brain partner to process how we perceive and react to the world around us. Macular carotenoids are important 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 with Lutemax Kids† was conducted to determine benefits for eye health and cognitive performance in children. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, sixty healthy male and female children between the ages of five and twelve were supplemented with Lutemax Kids† at a dose of 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin isomers in a gummy once per day vs. placebo for 180 days. The product was well tolerated. Along with a significant increase in lutein and zeaxanthin status, the study had several key findings:
Helps Reduce Eye Strain and Fatigue
MP at the retina’s center protects the eye from absorbing damaging blue light. Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) is a measure of the 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 significant increase in MPOD levels. Eye strain and eye fatigue as a result of digital device use was also reduced.
Helps support Cognitive Health
Macular carotenoids deposited in the brain early in life have been reported to support cognitive performance. The study measured cognitive performance via a computer-based assessment tool from Cambridge Brain Sciences. Supplementing with Lutemax Kids† significantly improved several aspects of cognitive health, such as attention, focus/concentration, verbal memory, episodic memory, visuospatial memory, and visuospatial processing speed. MPOD is positively correlated with memory in pre-adolescent children. Higher macular pigment density helps children perform better at memory tasks.
Helps Improve Visual Processing Speed
Visual processing speed is the amount of time needed to make a correct judgment about a visual stimulus. It was measured using the Critical Flicker Fusion in the study. Results indicate a significant increase in visual processing speed.
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 with 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. The Lutemax range of products are made from premium marigold flowers grown in India. They are 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!