As parents, we all want to give our kids the best possible start in life. We make sure they eat their veggies, get enough sleep, and do their homework. But did you know there's a simple addition to your child's daily routine that could help support their vision and cognitive development?
A recent study found that children who took a daily supplement containing lutein and zeaxanthin - two nutrients found in leafy greens, eggs, and colorful fruits - experienced some impressive benefits. The kids, aged 5-12, took the supplement for six months.
So, what happened? The children taking lutein and zeaxanthin had better scores on tests of key mental skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. Faster visual processing speeds, meaning their brains could take in and react to visual information more quickly. Less eye strain and fatigue, which is a growing concern with increased screen time, and higher levels of protein that support the growth and health of brain cells.
As a parent, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to get kids to eat enough nutrient-rich foods - especially picky eaters! While a healthy diet is always the ideal foundation, this study suggests that a daily lutein and zeaxanthin supplement could be a valuable complementary strategy to help support our kids' eye and brain development during their critical years of growth. The researchers note that these nutrients may be especially beneficial for children who don't regularly eat foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin. And let's be real - that's probably a lot of our kids!
According to the study, the children in the supplement group took a serving containing 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin each day for 6 months. To put this in context, the typical daily intake of lutein and zeaxanthin from foods is estimated to be around 1-2 mg per day in adults, and even lower in children. So, the 12 mg daily serving used in this study is significantly higher than what most kids would get from diet alone.
So, if you're looking for an easy way to give your child's health an extra boost, consider adding a lutein and zeaxanthin supplement to their daily routine. With potential benefits for their vision, brain function, and even school performance, it could be a small step that makes a big difference in their development. A great option is Barlean’s Eye Remedy or Omega Pals Hooty Tootie Kids formula which also has a full daily serving of beneficial Omega 3 to support mood, memory, and focus with the added Lutein and zeaxanthin in the perfect 10:2 ratio with other sourced actives known to support eye health and block damaging blue lights.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to talk to your child's doctor before starting any new supplement. But with the promising results of this study, I know I'll be looking into lutein and zeaxanthin for my kiddos. Here's to healthy eyes and thriving minds!