New Research on Lutein鈥檚 Role in Early Cognitive Development
By Office of the President | Feb 6, 2024
A collaborative effort between Downstate researchers and CUNY faculty produced a study
titled 鈥淢aternal Lutein Intake during Pregnancies with or without Gestational Diabetes
Mellitus and Cognitive Development of Children at Two Years of Age.鈥�
This extensive research delved into the influence of antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin on the cognitive development of children during their early years. Additionally, the study explored how gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition associated with heightened oxidative stress, affects lutein metabolism and cognitive outcomes.
The study鈥檚 results unveil a positive correlation between maternal lutein intake and children鈥檚 cognitive scores, irrespective of GDM status. These findings underscore the pivotal role of early nutrition and highlight lutein鈥檚 potential in preserving cognitive function during early childhood.
Downstate鈥檚 team of investigators included Mudar Dalloul, M.D., FACOG, Itamar D. Futterman, M.D., and Howard Minkoff, M.D., FACOG, all from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joan Hittleman, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Lawrence K. Fordjour, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, and Lori Hoepner, DrPH, MPH, SPH Program in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.
The complete study, in a special issue of the journal Nutrients devoted to 鈥淕estational Diabetes: Nutritional Aspects of Cause, Consequences, and Treatment,鈥� can be seen .