New Research on Lutein’s 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 “Maternal Lutein Intake during Pregnancies with or without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Cognitive Development of Children at Two Years of Age.”

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’s results unveil a positive correlation between maternal lutein intake and children’s cognitive scores, irrespective of GDM status. These findings underscore the pivotal role of early nutrition and highlight lutein’s potential in preserving cognitive function during early childhood.

Downstate’s 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 “Gestational Diabetes: Nutritional Aspects of Cause, Consequences, and Treatment,” can be seen here.