X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • SPF 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • Events
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Nutritional Spotlight - Lutein

3 min read

Nutritional Spotlight - LuteinYou might be familiar with some members of the carotenoid family, such as beta-carotene and lycopene – lutein is actually a carotenoid too. Scientists have found that lutein may help protect the eyes, and new research suggests that it could also have a role in brain health. These findings might hold particular importance for babies, as the first year of life is a critical time for brain and eye development.

Promoting healthy vision

Do you know how the eyes “see”? When light enters the eye lens, it is projected onto the back of the eye. Here, a specialised sensory organ known as the retina will convert the light into an electrical signal, which is then sent through the optic nerve to the brain for further processing.

There is a high concentration of lutein in the retina, and it appears to support eye health in two key ways. Lutein absorbs light of the blue wavelength – blue light is high in energy and could harm the retina. Lutein is also able to neutralise free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that can similarly cause damage to the retina.

Visual development progresses quickly during the first 6 months of life. Babies may benefit from the protective effects of lutein, especially since the infant retina is more vulnerable to oxidative damage due to the relative clarity of their eye lens.

Potential role in brain development

Nutritional Spotlight - LuteinAt around one year of age, a baby’s brain would have tripled in size from birth. Researchers have recently discovered that lutein is the major carotenoid present in the infant brain. It was found to be predominant in regions which are involved in regulating cognition, forming memory and processing sounds and visual information.

As lutein is a potent antioxidant, it may serve to protect DHA, which is a key building block of the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA are prone to damage caused by free radicals. Further studies will lead to better understanding of the impact of lutein in the developing infant brain.

Getting lutein from the diet

 

Nutritional Spotlight - LuteinThe body cannot produce lutein, so it has to be obtained from the food we eat. Green leafy vegetables such as kai lan, kangkung, spinach and sweet potato leaves are rich sources of lutein. Lutein can also be found in egg yolks.

Pregnant women are able to transfer lutein to their fetus through the placenta. After birth, infants can obtain lutein from breast milk and subsequently from solid foods when complementary feeding is introduced.

Could lutein be the magic bullet?

 

For optimal brain and eye development, adequate intake of calories and different nutrients such as DHA, AA, taurine and choline is necessary. Nutritional components often work together to confer benefits; no single type is able to “do it all”.

Breast milk offers the best mix of nutrients, and exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life. As the child begins to consume solid foods, it is important to ensure that a wide variety of food is provided. Milk should still be included to complement the child’s diet, and parents may choose to use a follow-on or growing-up formula with added lutein.

Nutritional Spotlight - Lutein

Written by:

Lim Meng Thiam

Dietician / Nutrition Education Manager

Abbott Nutrition International

Makers of

Nutritional Spotlight - Lutein

Nutritional Spotlight - Lutein

 

Partner Stories
TAP Reviews: Zuo Yue Confinement Food, Perfect for Recuperating Postpartum Mums
TAP Reviews: Zuo Yue Confinement Food, Perfect for Recuperating Postpartum Mums
Not All Health Drinks Are as Healthy as They Claim to Be. Find Out Why
Not All Health Drinks Are as Healthy as They Claim to Be. Find Out Why
3 A+ Recipes for Supercharged Studying This Exam Week
3 A+ Recipes for Supercharged Studying This Exam Week
Helpful Tips On How To Survive Exams This Exam Season
Helpful Tips On How To Survive Exams This Exam Season

Website: www.abbott.com.sg/gain

 

 

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Justina Goh

  • Home
  • /
  • Meal Planner
  • /
  • Nutritional Spotlight - Lutein
Share:
  • Is lutein the next big thing for your kids' brain development?

    Is lutein the next big thing for your kids' brain development?

  • Nutritional Supplements That May Help Your Child Grow Taller

    Nutritional Supplements That May Help Your Child Grow Taller

  • Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

    Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

  • STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

    STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

  • Is lutein the next big thing for your kids' brain development?

    Is lutein the next big thing for your kids' brain development?

  • Nutritional Supplements That May Help Your Child Grow Taller

    Nutritional Supplements That May Help Your Child Grow Taller

  • Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

    Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

  • STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

    STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it