Lutein may boost physical activity and mitigate chronic disease, study finds

30 Aug 2018 --- Higher levels of lutein status may be associated with higher levels of physical activity, which may contribute to a reduced risk of chronic disease, a study published in Nutrients has found. The research could pave the way for lutein to be used in a wider range of supplements or sports products.

Lutein is a carotenoid that reduces the risk of some chronic diseases, possibly by altering physical activity behavior. It is one of the most prevalent carotenoids in the human diet and is found in high levels in colorful fruit and vegetables, such as green leafy plants. Nutritionists have long hailed the benefits that carotenoids, such as lutein, can add to health.

According to Innova Market Insights data, new product launches (including supplements) tracked featuring lutein, as well as the carotenoid zeaxanthin, saw a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25 percent and 18 percent, respectively, between 2012 and 2016, when 2012 is taken as a base of 100.

The University of South Australia researchers note that the health benefits of lutein have been primarily ascribed to antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, and/or other effects on cell function. However, physical activity is also associated with a reduced risk of these same chronic conditions and preliminary evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in rats and humans showed that increasing circulating lutein concentrations through an increased intake was associated with increased physical activity.

A total of 1,267 articles were assessed in the review. Overall, there was significant heterogeneity between reported measures of association for physical activity and lutein status. However, of the 17 eligible studies, 11 reported positive associations between lutein status and physical activity, three reported mixed results and three reported no association. No studies reported a negative association.

The researchers conclude that the systematic review provides evidence of a positive relationship between lutein status (dietary intake and/or blood lutein concentration) and physical activity. Increasing lutein status, or possibly also the status of other carotenoids, is able to increase physical activity. These findings, the researchers note, may be useful in improving physical activity to mitigate the risk of chronic disease. However, large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the effects on physical activity and other associated health benefits.

Lutein in the market
Lutein has a strong profile in the eye health space. This space is experiencing growth which is arguably due to the demands of the modern lifestyle on eyesight, such as the increased time spent on technology.

“Over the years there has been a tremendous increase in demand for eye health supplements globally. Data obtained from Innova Market Insights shows that between the years of 2012 to 2016, new products launched with an eye health positioning increased by over 70 percent, with the leading markets being North America, West Europe and Asia,” says Maryanne Mburu, Senior Key Account Manager at AstaReal.

Lutein has also been used in the cognitive health space, in nootropics, also known as “smart drugs” or “cognitive enhancers.”

Within this space, OmniActive offers its Lutemax 2020, which delivers all three macular carotenoids (lutein, RR-zeaxanthin and RS (meso)-zeaxanthin). The ingredient has a particularly strong market potential for long-duration digital device users due to its beneficial effects on ocular health and performance, sleep quality and eye strain and fatigue during long-duration exposure to digital devices and screens.