Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation increases macular pigment optical density and improves attention and processing speed in healthy teenagers
In a 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 82 teenagers aged 13-18 with high screen use and low fruit/vegetable intake received either 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin or a placebo daily. Compared to placebo, LZ supplementation significantly increased macular pigment optical density in both eyes (left: P=0.010; right: P=0.004) and improved tests of attention (P=0.026) and processing speed (P=0.034), but did not affect visual reasoning, nonverbal memory, or self-reported sleep and attention.
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Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation increases macular pigment optical density and improves attention and processing speed in healthy teenagers The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation increases macular pigment optical density and improves attention and processing speed in healthy teenagers
This conclusion is most relevant to: Healthy teenagers aged 13 to 18 years with high screen use and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin increases macular pigment optical density and cognitive performance in healthy teenagers in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the macula of the eye, increasing macular pigment optical density
- ▸Higher MPOD may enhance visual processing and neural efficiency
- ▸Improved visual signal processing may translate to better cognitive performance in attention and processing speed tasks
- ▸Result: Increased MPOD and improved attention and processing speed
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Healthy teenagers aged 13 to 18 years with high screen use and a diet low in fruits and vegetables
Recommended Dose
10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin daily
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸No significant effects were found on visual reasoning, nonverbal memory, or self-reported sleep, limiting the generalizability of cognitive benefits
- ▸The study population was limited to teenagers with high screen use and low fruit/vegetable intake, so results may not apply to all teenagers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in teenagers according to this study?▼
The study found that daily supplementation with 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin for 6 months increased macular pigment optical density and improved attention and processing speed in teenagers with high screen use.
Did lutein and zeaxanthin improve sleep in teenagers?▼
No, the study found no significant between-group differences in self-report measures of sleep between the LZ supplementation group and the placebo group.
What was the study design and sample size?▼
This was a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 82 teenagers aged 13 to 18 years.
Were there any adverse effects from lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation?▼
LZ supplementation was well-tolerated with no significant adverse reactions reported.
References
- 1.Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. “Supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin increases macular pigment optical density and cognitive performance in healthy teenagers in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial..” Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 2026. PMID: 42413424 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2026.06.005