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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.

Last updated: Jul 11, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin increases macular pigment optical density and cognitive performance in healthy teenagers in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

observational

Lopresti AL, Smith SJ · Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 6 months
Intervention: 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin daily for 6 months
Outcome: Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), cognitive performance (attention, processing speed, visual reasoning, nonverbal memory), self-reported attention and sleep
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Healthy teenagers aged 13 to 18 years with high screen use and a diet low in fruits and vegetables

Result:

PubMed: 42413424DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2026.06.005

Mechanism Graph

Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the macula of the eye, increasing macular pigment optical density
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Higher MPOD may enhance visual processing and neural efficiency
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Improved visual signal processing may translate to better cognitive performance in attention and processing speed tasks
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Result: Increased MPOD and improved attention and processing speed

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.