Abstract
A previous systematic review revealed that lutein intake leads to improved cognitive function among older adults. However, the association between lutein intake and brain health remains unclear. Methods: We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Library for research papers. The criteria were (1) an intervention study using oral lutein intake or a cross-sectional study that examined lutein levels and the brain, (2) participants were older adults, and (3) brain activities or structures were measured using a brain imaging technique (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or electroencephalography (EEG)). Results: Seven studies using MRI (brain activities during rest, cognitive tasks, and brain structure) and two studies using EEG were included. We mainly focused on MRI studies. Three intervention studies using MRI indicated that 10 mg lutein intake over 12 months had a positive impact on healthy older adults’ brain activities during learning, resting-state connectivity, and gray matter volumes. Four cross-sectional studies using MRI suggested that lutein was positively associated with brain structure and neural efficiency during cognitive tasks. Conclusion: Although only nine studies that used similar datasets were reviewed, this systematic review indicates that lutein has beneficial effects on healthy older adults’ brain health.
Highlights
IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
The results consistently showed that lutein intake may positively affect brain activity during learning, as well as resting connectivity and gray matter volume in healthy older adults
In the supplement group, older adults who had increased lutein levels during the intervention period showed small declines in total gray matter and prefrontal gray matter volume compared to older adults who were stable or had decreased lutein levels during the intervention period [25]. These results suggest that 10 mg lutein intake over 12 months may positively impact brain activity during learning, as well as resting-state connectivity and gray matter volumes in healthy older adults
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Vegetable and fruit intake is associated with cognitive function [1,2,3]. Several cohort studies have reported that vegetable and fruit intake enhances cognitive function among young and older adults [4,5,6,7]. The amount of vegetable and fruit intake affects brain function and structure [8]. Vegetable and fruit intake affect maintaining and improving cognition and the brain
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
