The effects of lutein, zeaxanthin and anthocyanins supplementation on visual function and vision protection in healthy school-‍aged children: a single-center prospective randomized controlled study

Abstract

Dietary carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) and anthocyanins show retinal protective potential, yet their clinical efficacy in healthy children’s developing visual systems remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether lutein, zeaxanthin, and anthocyanin (LA) supplementation enhances visual function and vision protection in healthy school-aged children (6–10 years). Sixty-four participants were randomized to control or treatment (received LA supplementation daily) groups. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), central foveal thickness (CFT), minimum foveal thickness (MFT), axial length (AL), spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and contrast sensitivity function (CSF) after LA supple­mentation were examined at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. ASQ-11 questionnaire was used to evaluate eye fatigue. Compared with control group, from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months, MPOD levels were increased in treatment group, with the most significant increase at the 6-month follow-up. CFT and MFT levels were also elevated with time. Moreover, AL remarkably increased at 1, 3, and 6 months, considering it is a physiological increase caused by growth and development of children. At 6 months, the change in AL was prominently reduced in the treatment group. Besides, the reduction of SER levels was less in treatment group than that in control group. Additionally, CSF of control group and treatment group increased during the 6-month follow-up. CSF at spatial frequency 3 c/d in the treatment group was markedly higher than ‍that in the control group at the sixth month follow-up. Furthermore, LA notably improved visual fatigue symptoms. Collectively, LA supplementation enhances visual function and vision protection in healthy school-aged children. Registration number (TRN): ChiCTR2500100376