Lutein and Zeaxanthin Influence Neural Processing Speed
In September 2014, researchers reported that lutein and zeaxanthin improve visual processing speed. The study authors hypothesized that lutein and zeaxanthin can regulate the way the human eye interprets visual signals within and outside of the retina. They theorized that a rise in lutein and zeaxanthin concentration within the visual system would result in enhanced visual processing speeds.
The researchers assigned 92 young healthy subjects to receive supplementation for four months with 1) placebo, 2) 20 mg per day zeaxanthin, or 3) 26 mg per day zeaxanthin, 8 mg per day lutein and 190 mg per day mixed omega-3 fatty acids. The investigators assessed macular pigment density as a biomarker of brain lutein and zeaxanthin levels, critical flicker fusion thresholds, and visual motor reaction time. When humans look at intermittent light, it appears to flicker. Flicker fusion threshold refers to the point at which the flicker in intermittent light is no longer perceived due to an increase in frequency.
Retinal lutein and zeaxanthin significantly correlated with critical flicker fusion thresholds and visual motor reaction time. Compared to placebo, the subjects that received zeaxanthin or the lutein/zeaxanthin plus omega-3 fatty acids supplement experienced a 12% increase in critical flicker fusion thresholds and a 10% increase in visual motor reaction time.
The study authors stated, “In general, increasing macular pigment density through supplementation (average increase of about 0.09 log units) resulted in significant improvements in visual processing speed, even when testing young, healthy individuals who tend to be at peak efficiency.”
Reference:
Bovier ER, et al. PLoS One. 2014 Sep 24;9(9):e108178
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