Infant visual development

Overview

Lutein is the sole indexed supplement for infant visual development (3 studies; WA 48; low effect size, medium evidence, medium trust). Some observational research links higher lutein levels in pregnant mothers to a lower risk of poor vision in their children by age three.

Other studies, however, found no association between lutein intake during pregnancy and vision in older children. A small study in children showed lutein and zeaxanthin supplements improved key eye-health markers, but benefits of lutein during pregnancy remain uncertain. See the evidence reviews below.

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How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceMediumTrustMedium

Evidence Review

Some research shows that higher levels of lutein in pregnant mothers are linked to a lower risk of poor vision in their children by age 3.
However, other studies found no link between lutein intake during pregnancy and vision in older children.
A small study in kids showed that taking lutein and zeaxanthin supplements helped improve key markers of eye health.
The benefits of taking lutein supplements during pregnancy are still uncertain.

Browse 3 studies

RCTLutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation Improves Dynamic Visual and Cognitive Performance in Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study2024

In children aged 5–12, 180 days of lutein 10 mg plus zeaxanthin 2 mg/day increased macular pigment, reduced eye strain, and improved focus, episodic memory, and processing speed versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 180 days
Dose: 2 mg/day
Population: Adults
Ages: 5–12

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ObservationalLutein and Zeaxanthin Intake during Pregnancy and Visual Function in Offspring at 11-12 Years of Age2022n=431

In 431 mother-child pairs (INMA cohort), maternal lutein/zeaxanthin intake during pregnancy was not significantly associated with offspring contrast sensitivity or visual acuity at age 11–12.

Effect: No Benefit
Population: Pregnant women
Participants: 431
Ages: 11–12

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ObservationalMaternal Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Relation to Offspring Visual Acuity at 3 Years of Age: The GUSTO Study2020n=126

In 471 mother-child pairs (GUSTO), higher maternal zeaxanthin at delivery was associated with 38% lower odds of poor visual acuity in 3-year-olds.