The relationship between
lutein and
zeaxanthin and visual and cognitive health throughout the lifespan is compelling. There is a variety of evidence to support a role for
lutein and
zeaxanthin in vision.
Lutein's role in cognition has only recently been considered.
Lutein and its isomer,
zeaxanthin, are taken up selectively into eye tissue.
Lutein is the predominant
carotenoid in human brain tissue.
Lutein and
zeaxanthin in neural tissue may have
biological effects that include antioxidation, anti-
inflammation, and structural actions. In addition,
lutein and
zeaxanthin may be protective against
eye disease because they absorb damaging blue light that enters the eye. In pediatric brains, the relative contribution of
lutein to the total
carotenoids is twice that found in adults, accounting for more than half the concentration of total
carotenoids. The greater proportion of
lutein in the pediatric brain suggests a need for
lutein during neural development as well. In adults, higher
lutein status is related to better cognitive performance, and
lutein supplementation improves cognition. The evidence to date warrants further investigation into the role of
lutein and
zeaxanthin in visual and cognitive health throughout the lifespan.