Index
What is lutein?
Can Children Take Lutein?
4 Major Benefits of Lutein
Who Should Take Lutein?
How Should Children Take Lutein?
Recommended Lutein Intake: Comparison Between Adults and Children
Lutein Comparison: How to Choose Lutein for Children?
RISAL Lutein Product Recommends
Written by Jessie, Famous Nutritionist
As the proportion of children using digital products continues to rise, lutein has become a popular dietary supplement among many parents. This is mainly because it can protect children's bright and sharp eyes, and research also suggests that lutein has a positive impact on children's learning ability, especially for children under 2 years old. Moreover, studies have found that the body is smart enough to selectively distribute ingested lutein to the areas where it is needed!
What is Lutein?
Lutein is a type of carotenoid found in the diet, which is a pigment produced by plants. Lutein is fat-soluble, meaning it dissolves well in fats, so it is recommended to take it after meals, as the fats in the food can help with lutein absorption.
Which Foods Contain Lutein?
Lutein is commonly found in everyday foods. In yellow-orange crops such as carrots, beets, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, and papayas, lutein exists in an "esterified" form. In green vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, peas, and certain algae, it exists in a "free" form.
Lutein can also be obtained from egg yolks and animal fats, but animals themselves cannot synthesize lutein, including humans. We obtain lutein from lutein-rich plant foods to meet our body's needs.
Can Children Consume Lutein?
Absolutely Yes! Lutein is naturally present in the diet, especially in plant-based foods.
Should Children Take Lutein Supplements?
Considering that daily diets may be unbalanced, and based on surveys of current dietary habits, children cannot avoid exposure to 3C products and require extensive learning and reading during school age. Therefore, parents are advised to give their children additional lutein supplements to protect their health.
Reason 1 for Lutein Supplementation: Unbalanced Diet
Research shows that lutein is highly relevant to children's development. If children are picky about eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, they may be more likely to lack lutein. Therefore, for children who have difficulty maintaining a balanced diet, it is recommended to supplement with dietary supplements to ensure they meet their daily lutein needs.
Reason 2 for Lutein Supplementation: Current Dietary Habits
According to research on adult diets, adults may need to consume 6mg of lutein daily to reduce the health risks caused by excessive use of 3C products. However, current studies have observed that the average daily intake of lutein from food is only about 2mg. Although this research focuses on adults, it indicates that our daily diet may not be sufficient to meet the body's daily needs, especially for children who engage in extensive learning and reading.
Importance for Babies
Supplementing lutein during school age is important, but what about pre-school age?
Studies have shown that both infants and adults have carotenoids in their brains, and among all carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin are present in higher proportions in infants than in adults. This suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin may accumulate preferentially in the brain and could be crucial for learning development, especially during the golden age of development for babies.
Do Pregnant Moms Need Lutein?
Additionally, it has been found that lutein levels in breast milk are usually higher than those of other carotenoids, and they are higher than the lutein added to commercial formula. This indicates that lutein is an important nutrient for infants in the early stages of life, supporting the development of learning networks.
Moreover, the utilization rate of lutein from breast milk is higher than from formula milk. Therefore, it is strongly encouraged that mothers breastfeed for at least the first 6 months after childbirth to ensure their child's full development. It is also recommended that moms continue to supplement lutein from mid-pregnancy through the breastfeeding period.
4 major benefits of Lutein
1. Protect sharp eyes
Lutein is a type of β-carotene and possesses antioxidant properties. It works like sunglasses, blocking harsh sunlight and reducing damage to the body. Lutein also helps maintain vision in dim environments, allowing us to quickly adapt when moving from a bright outdoor area to a darker indoor space.
2. Development of learning networks
Recent research suggests that lutein may play a significant role in the development of learning networks, especially in children under 2 years old, making it crucial for pregnant mothers and infants to ensure they are getting enough lutein.
3. Skin and mucosa health improvement
Lutein is a type of β-carotene, and its structure shows strong antioxidant properties. Studies have also shown that lutein and zeaxanthin, both types of β-carotene, are found in the skin and subcutaneous tissues in a mixed form, helping to protect against UV radiation and maintain the health of the skin and mucous membranes.
If we consume too much lutein, most research indicates that taking more than 15mg per day can cause lutein to accumulate in the skin, resulting in a yellowish tint. While this poses no health threat, many people find it aesthetically unappealing, so it's worth keeping this in mind when supplementing with lutein.
4. Physical conditioning
Due to lutein's structure and high reactivity, research has also discovered other protective effects that lutein provides for the human body, including maintaining normal metabolism, regulating body constitution, and supporting communication between cells. Lutein acts as an auxiliary component that enhances signal transmission and improves the body’s defense systems.
Who Should Take Lutein?
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Picky Eaters
Picky eating can cause an unbalanced diet. If parents notice that their child is avoiding lutein-rich foods, additional supplementation may be necessary. -
Frequent Dining Out or Limited Food Choices
In situations where children cannot achieve a balanced diet due to external factors, such as a busy school schedule, dining out often leads to an unbalanced diet, and it’s worth considering supplementation. -
Long-Term Use of Digital Products or Reading
Using electronic games for more than 30 minutes a day or other screens (TV, tablet, and smartphone) for more than 2-3 hours daily is considered long-term use. Supplementation is recommended for protection. -
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Mothers
As mentioned earlier, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should ensure they are getting enough lutein to support their baby’s growth and health. -
School-Age Children
Studies show that children with sufficient levels of lutein and zeaxanthin have better learning abilities compared to their peers who have lower levels.
Lutein is suitable for the whole family, but due to individual differences, the recommended daily intake should not exceed 30mg per day, following the guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It is suggested to limit supplementation to below 15mg per day, as exceeding this amount may cause undesirable effects.
How Should Children Take Lutein?
4 Key Principles for Taking Lutein:
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Quantative Daily Intake:
Ensure a consistent and appropriate daily intake of lutein, avoiding excessive consumption. -
Continuous Consumption:
Regular consumption of lutein allows it to accumulate selectively in the body, promoting health. However, continuous intake for 2-4 months is necessary for noticeable effects. -
Take Lutein After Meals:
Since lutein is fat-soluble, the fats in meals can help increase lutein absorption. -
Proper Storage:
Although lutein is relatively heat-stable, preserving the integrity of lutein in supplements requires careful storage. Protect lutein from exposure to light, heat, acid, and oxygen to maintain its structure and quality. Free-form lutein, in particular, should be stored in a cool, dry place and consumed promptly.
Recommended Lutein Intake: Adult vs. Child Comparison
Lutein is considered safe and recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA. Parents can feel confident giving lutein to their children. However, as with other dietary supplements, more is not always better.
In Taiwan, the daily limit for lutein in capsule or tablet form is set at 30mg. In the U.S., where lutein is not considered an essential nutrient, the FDA has not set strict regulations, but the recommended daily upper limit is 20mg.
According to current data, long-term supplementation of 10mg of lutein and 2mg of zeaxanthin is considered safe and non-toxic for adults. This 5:1 ratio is also highlighted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the optimal balance. While there is no definitive recommended daily intake for children, a daily intake of no more than 6-10mg of lutein, paired with zeaxanthin in the same ratio, can be used as a reference based on adult intake guidelines.
Lutein Comparison: How to Choose the Right Lutein for Children?
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Types of Lutein
There are two types of lutein: esterified and free-form. Aside from the differences in the natural food sources, esterified lutein requires conversion after ingestion before it can be used. Currently, there is no definitive conclusion on which form is more easily absorbed or has higher bioavailability. However, since esterified lutein has a larger molecular size and requires breakdown and conversion before absorption, and because children's digestive systems are not fully developed, their ability to digest and convert may not be ideal. In terms of lutein supplements, free-form lutein might be more suitable for children. -
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Ratio
Zeaxanthin is also a member of the carotenoid family and is very similar to lutein in structure, with only slight differences. The benefits and health effects are nearly identical. It is recommended to choose a lutein to zeaxanthin ratio of 5:1 because in a natural diet, the lutein content we consume is usually 5 to 7 times higher than zeaxanthin. Additionally, research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the U.S. suggests that this ratio is more beneficial to the human body. -
Dosage
For children, the recommended daily intake of lutein should not exceed the adult dose of 6-10 mg. However, if the intake occasionally exceeds this amount, parents need not worry as the Ministry of Health and Welfare has set a maximum daily limit of 30 mg. -
Formula Ingredients
Research has shown that when lutein is paired with certain ingredients, it can have a synergistic effect (1+1>2). The primary purpose of lutein supplementation is to prevent damage caused by prolonged use of digital devices (3C products). Therefore, choosing nutrients that can help maintain bright and healthy eyes can achieve more comprehensive health benefits.
(1) Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are mostly found in purple and red foods such as purple sweet potatoes, blueberries, and black beans. Research has shown that anthocyanins can help relax the strain caused by using digital devices (3C products). Unlike lutein and zeaxanthin, anthocyanins do not provide protective effects but instead help with relaxation and circulation. This is especially important for school-aged children who spend extended periods reading or using digital devices, as it can help improve their focus and endurance for learning.
(2) Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Research indicates that lutein and fish oil DHA can help maintain eye brightness and health, particularly during the golden period of fetal and newborn development. If babies consume enough lutein, zeaxanthin, and DHA, they will experience more complete growth of neural networks. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women in the later stages, breastfeeding mothers, and infants also consume lutein, zeaxanthin, and DHA.
These two ingredients are common components that can enhance the health benefits of lutein. Parents can look for these when selecting lutein products to help their children grow, learn, and read in a more comprehensive way.
RISAL Lutein Product Recommendation
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Patented Free-Form Lutein for Quick Absorption
RISAL Lutein uses patented marigold extract (FloraGLO®) with 20 mg of extract (containing 10% free-form lutein) and zeaxanthin. It is an ideal lutein supplement for children who frequently read, use computers, or watch TV.
FloraGLO® has multiple international manufacturing patents, is FDA-GRAS certified as a safe food, and is recommended by U.S. physicians. Compared to esterified lutein, free-form lutein does not require enzymatic breakdown to be absorbed, making it more suitable for children whose digestive functions are still developing. -
Multi-Plant Extract Anthocyanins for Enhanced Effect
The lutein is paired with anthocyanin-rich plant extracts such as bilberry and Japanese black bean skin extract. These anthocyanins help maintain overall health by promoting relaxation and circulation. -
Appropriate Dosage for Children, Not Overconsumed
The daily intake does not exceed the recommended adult dose of 6-10 mg, which ensures that it does not surpass the upper limit set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare or the amount suggested by most research studies, allowing children to safely supplement their nutrition and health. -
Special Packaging for Better Preservation
Although free-form lutein is easily absorbed, its molecules are less stable compared to esterified lutein, so packaging and storage need special attention. RISAL Lutein uses dark glass bottles, which have denser and smaller pores compared to plastic packaging, protecting the product from external environmental factors. The dark, less light-permeable design further protects the lutein. -
Safe Formula with Regular Testing
RISAL Lutein is flavored with blueberry juice powder to enhance taste, making it more enjoyable for children to chew. The product does not contain artificial flavors, preservatives, or other unnecessary additives. Every batch undergoes quantitative lutein testing to ensure product safety, with no contaminants or harmful substances, ensuring both nutritional value and food safety.
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