New Study Shows Significant Health Benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Moms and Babies

At Kemin Industries, we are dedicated to transforming the quality of life for 80 percent of the world with our products and services. We are thrilled to share the results of a newly published study on the use of FloraGLO® Lutein and OPTISHARP™ Natural Zeaxanthin in prenatal supplements, which shows significant improvements in carotenoid levels for both mothers and their newborn infants.

A Landmark Study

This study¹, published in the September 2024 issue of Ophthalmology Science, marks the first National Institutes of Health-funded clinical study on pregnant moms and babies supplemented with FloraGLO® Lutein and OPTISHARP™ Natural Zeaxanthin. Led by Dr. Paul S. Bernstein at the John A. Moran Eye Center of the University of Utah, the Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Pregnancy (L-ZIP) clinical trial aimed to determine whether these carotenoids should be added to standard prenatal vitamins for expecting mothers.

Key Findings

The clinical trial provided 10 mg of FloraGLO Lutein and 2 mg of OPTISHARP Natural Zeaxanthin to healthy pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. The results were remarkable, showing statistically significant and clinically important increases in maternal and infant systemic and ocular carotenoid levels following supplementation. Moreover, the study shows improvements in a market of ocular development and function in infants. The results reveal an underlying essential on the presence of lutein and zeaxanthin early in life.

Despite the growing evidence of their essential role in eye and brain health, most prenatal supplements and infant formulas currently lack lutein and zeaxanthin. This research highlights their crucial role and potential long-lasting benefits on maternal and infant health.

Future Directions

Dr. Emmanuel Kofi Addo from the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah added, "The clinical relevance of differences in foveal maturity observed in our study lies in the potential long-term benefits for visual and cognitive development. Enhanced foveal maturity may improve infant visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Thus, a well-developed fovea is essential for sharp central vision and is critical for recognizing faces as children grow."

Given the low intake of fruits and vegetables—the primary sources of these carotenoids—there is a critical need for supplementation to fill this nutritional gap. This study prospectively showed that prenatal carotenoid supplementation considerably enhanced maternal and infant carotenoid status and play a role in eye development. Since our bodies do not produce these molecules, it is crucial for maternal intake of lutein and zeaxanthin as this is the only available source for infants.

Kemin's Commitment

The L-ZIP study, the 18th peer-reviewed publication using FloraGLO Lutein in maternal and infant health, underscores Kemin's commitment to advancing early life nutrition. We are proud of our support in this remarkable study and look forward to future recommendations on including these vital nutrients in prenatal and infant products.

For more information, you can access the publication from the September 2024 issue of Ophthalmology Science and learn how FloraGLO Lutein impacts maternal and infant health.

Click here to access the publication from the September 2024 issue of Ophthalmology Science.

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Reference

1. https://www.ophthalmologyscience.org/article/S2666-9145(24)00073-3/fulltext

OPTISHARP™ Natural is a Registered Trademark of DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.

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