Numerous health organizations and professionals recommend that people “eat the rainbow” to ensure a diverse diet rich in color bioactive compounds.
Carotenoids play a crucial role among these compounds. Lutein, a yellow pigment found in avocados and leafy greens, is one such carotenoid linked to numerous health benefits. Research shows these benefits extend across the lifespan but may particularly benefit children.
Lutein During Pregnancy and Early Development
Lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin are vital during pregnancy. A study1 of 1580 mother-child pairs found that higher levels of maternal lutein and zeaxanthin intake (5 mg/day) during pregnancy were linked with better child verbal intelligence and behavior regulation in mid-childhood. Dietary intake was assessed via a food frequency questionnaire during the first two trimesters, and children were evaluated using the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, Second Edition (KBIT-II), and other cognitive and behavioral assessments. Although no cognitive effect was found for early childhood scores, these findings highlight the potential long-term benefits of prenatal lutein intake.
Lutein is critical for proper eye development, especially in the third trimester. Avocados, which provide approximately 136 micrograms of bioavailable lutein per serving, can be a valuable addition to the maternal diet. Lutein also represents roughly 25% of the carotenoids in breast milk during the first few days of breastfeeding, increasing to nearly 50% by the end of the first month. This suggests that maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in infant health and development, including ocular health.
The Biochemistry of Lutein
Lutein is a type of carotenoid known for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants such as lutein help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cellular components and contribute to various diseases. In the context of eye health, lutein and zeaxanthin are the only dietary carotenoids that accumulate in the retina, particularly in the macula, where they help filter harmful blue light and reduce oxidative damage. This protective effect is crucial during the prenatal and early childhood periods when the eyes are developing and are particularly vulnerable to damage.
Lutein’s Impact on Children’s Cognitive and Academic Performance
Research has also explored lutein’s effects on children’s cognitive function and academic performance. A study2 of 56 children aged 8-9 years examined the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and academic performance. MPOD was measured, and academic performance was assessed using the Kaufman Test of Academic and Educational Achievement II. Dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin was recorded for a subsample. The findings indicated that higher MPOD significantly predicted overall academic achievement, mathematics, and written language scores, even after adjusting for other factors. This suggests that higher retinal lutein and zeaxanthin levels are linked to better academic performance in children.
Another study3 examined the link between MPOD and cognitive function in preadolescent children. Involving 49 participants, the study used a modified flanker task to record event-related potentials (ERPs) and assess cognitive control. Results showed that children with higher MPOD had more accurate task performance and lower P3 amplitudes, especially in cognitively demanding trials. These findings suggest that higher MPOD enhances cognitive efficiency and supports neuroprotection during childhood development.
Lutein and Inflammation in Children
Lutein also appears to play a role in reducing inflammation in children. A study4 involving 40 school-aged children found that higher MPOD was associated with lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, indicating reduced systemic inflammation. These findings suggest an inverse relationship between macular pigment and inflammation in children. However, the small sample size and convenience sampling may limit the generalizability of these results.
Prenatal Supplementation and Infant Health
The effects of prenatal lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on maternal and infant carotenoid status were also investigated in a randomized clinical trial5. Forty-seven pregnant women received standard prenatal vitamins with added carotenoids or a placebo. Results showed significant increases in maternal macular pigment and infant skin and serum carotenoids in the Carotenoid Group. Additionally, infants in this group exhibited a 20% increase in macular pigment density and more mature foveal development. These findings suggest prenatal carotenoid supplementation may enhance maternal and infant ocular health.
Lutein and Cognitive Development in Gestational Diabetes
Another study6 focused on the impact of maternal lutein and zeaxanthin intake on children’s cognitive development in pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Seventy-six pregnant women, including 40 with GDM, were studied. Dietary intake was recorded, and cord blood was collected at delivery. Cognitive development in children was assessed at two years using the Bayley III test. Results showed that GDM reduced cord blood lutein levels, but maternal lutein and zeaxanthin intake was linked to improved cognitive and language scores in children, regardless of GDM status. These findings highlight the potential benefits of lutein intake during pregnancy for cognitive development.
Practical Dietary Recommendations
Given the evidence supporting the benefits of lutein, it is important to consider practical dietary recommendations for both pregnant women and children.
Incorporating foods such as avocados, leafy greens, and eggs into daily meals can effectively ensure adequate lutein intake. For pregnant women, this could mean adding avocado slices to salads, blending them into smoothies, or using them as a spread on toast. For children, simple recipes like guacamole or avocado toast can make foods with lutein more appealing and easy to consume.
The Role of Health Professionals
Health professionals play a crucial role in educating patients about the benefits of lutein and encouraging dietary habits that support optimal development. Prenatal care providers should emphasize the importance of a lutein during pregnancy, highlighting foods like avocados that provide 136 mcg lutein and other essential nutrients such as folate, potassium, and healthy fats. Pediatricians and nutritionists can continue this education by advising parents on how to incorporate foods with lutein into their children’s diets to support ongoing cognitive and ocular health.
Future Research Directions
While current research provides a strong foundation for understanding the benefits of lutein, there is still much to learn. Future studies should aim to confirm the findings related to cognitive and ocular health benefits in larger and more diverse populations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lutein, a yellow pigment found in avocados, plays a role in child development, starting as early as in the womb. Prenatal lutein intake is linked to better cognitive and ocular health outcomes in children, and its benefits extend into early childhood, enhancing academic performance and reducing inflammation. Incorporating avocados into the maternal and early childhood diet can be a practical way to boost lutein intake, contributing to overall health and development. Starting early with a diet rich in lutein can help ensure the best success for children’s cognitive and visual health. Health professionals are encouraged to guide families in making dietary choices that include lutein-rich foods to support long-term health outcomes.
By focusing on lutein and its sources, such as avocados, health professionals can help promote dietary habits that support optimal growth and development in children, setting the foundation for a healthier future.
References:
1. Maternal Intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin during Pregnancy Is Positively Associated with Offspring Verbal Intelligence and Behavior Regulation in Mid-Childhood in the Project Viva Cohort
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28535707/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28528704/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37149925/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37149925/
6. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/2/328
