Abstract
BackgroundLutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble, dietary carotenoids with high concentrations in human brain tissue. There have been a number studies confirming an association between lutein and zeaxanthin and cognitive function.PurposeExamine the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on cognitive function in adults with self-reported cognitive complaints.Study DesignTwo-arm, parallel-group, 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.MethodsNinety volunteers aged 40–75 years received either 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin, once daily or a placebo. Outcome measures included computer-based cognitive tasks, the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Profile of Mood States, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29.ResultsCompared to the placebo, lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation was associated with greater improvements in visual episodic memory (p = 0.005) and visual learning (p = 0.001). However, there were no other statistically-significant differences in performance on the other assessed cognitive tests or self-report questionnaires. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation was well-tolerated with no reports of significant adverse effects.ConclusionThe results from this trial suggest that 6-months of supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin may improve visual memory and learning in community-dwelling adults with self-reported cognitive complaints. However, it had no other effect on other computer-based measures of cognitive performance or self-report measures of cognition, memory, mood, or physical function.
Highlights
Lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble nutrients forming part of the carotenoid family
Lutein is not the major carotenoid in our diet, it is the carotenoid of the highest concentration in human brain tissue [4, 5]
There were no statistically-significant between-group differences in changes in body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.615), systolic (p = 0.318), or diastolic (p = 0.849) blood pressure over time. In this 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin at a daily dose of 10 and 2 mg, respectively, was associated with greater improvements in visual episodic memory compared to the placebo
Summary
Lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble nutrients forming part of the carotenoid family. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in eye, brain, breast and adipose tissue. Lutein is not the major carotenoid in our diet, it is the carotenoid of the highest concentration in human brain tissue [4, 5]. Lutein and zeaxanthin account for 66 to 77% of the total carotenoid concentration in human brain tissue [6]. Lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble, dietary carotenoids with high concentrations in human brain tissue. There have been a number studies confirming an association between lutein and zeaxanthin and cognitive function. Purpose: Examine the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on cognitive function in adults with self-reported cognitive complaints
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