Clinical study examines the effect of lutein supplement for adolescent eye health

As explained in a June 12, 2025, press release, clinical research on the effect of FloraGLO Lutein supplementation from global ingredient manufacturer Kemin has demonstrated effects on macular pigmentation (MP) for adolescents, potentially helping protect eyes from strain associated with screen time. The research had been presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting in May 2025, and the full abstract is anticipated to be published at the end of July. FloraGlo is derived from marigold flowers and supported by 115 human clinical publications.

As the press release states, MP is associated with levels of lutein in the eyes and brain and has been shown to support eye and brain health in adults. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study involved 59 healthy participants, ages 8-16 reporting more than four or more hours of daily screen time. Participants were given 5 mg of FloraGLO Lutein, which contained 225 µg of natural zeaxanthin, or a placebo gummy daily for six months. Heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) (Quantifeye MPS II) measured peak MP optical density, and Haidinger’s Brush degree of polarization detection (HB) (MPEye) measured MP volume. Measurements were taken at baseline, 90 days, and 180 days.

The HB measures demonstrated a 14% increase in MP density compared with placebo, and the HFP method demonstrated a 0.5% increase in the test group compared with placebo, which suggests MP accumulation in adolescents may be different than what has been observed in adulthood.

The study is reportedly the first to examine the effects of a low dose of lutein in adolescents.

"This study underscores a powerful insight: just 5 mg of lutein a day—roughly the amount found in ¼ cup of cooked spinach—can meaningfully support eye health in pre-teens and teens exposed to digital screens all day long," stated principal investigator of the study Dr. Brenda Fonseca, senior scientist at Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, in the press release. "That’s a small nutritional change with potentially big implications—especially considering most kids aren’t coming close to that intake level on a daily basis. As screen time continues to climb, we’re encouraged to see that targeted nutrition like this could help counteract some of the strain today’s digital lifestyles are placing on young eyes."