Lutein supplementation for early-life health and development: current knowledge, challenges, and implications

Macular carotenoids, which consist of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, are dietary antioxidants and macular pigments in the eyes, protecting the macula from light-induced oxidative stress. Lutein is also the main carotenoid in the infant brain and is involved in cognitive development. While a few articles reviewed the role of lutein in early health and development, the current review is the first that focuses on the outcomes of lutein supplementation, either provided to mothers or to infants. Additionally, lutein status and metabolism during pregnancy and lactation, factors that limit the potential application of lutein as a nutritional intervention, and solutions to overcome the limitation are also discussed. In brief, the lutein intake in pregnant and lactating women in the United States may not be optimal. Furthermore, preterm and formula-fed infants are known to have compromised lutein status compared to term and breast-fed infants, respectively. While lutein supplementation via both maternal and infant consumption improves lutein status in infants, the application of lutein as a nutritional intervention may be compromised by its low bioavailability. Various encapsulation techniques have been developed to enhance the delivery of lutein in adult animals or human but should be further evaluated in neonatal models.