Positive Health Online

Abstract

LEERMAKERS and COLLEAGUES, 1. Generation R Study Group,Department of Epidemiology,Erasmus MC,University Medical Center, 3000 CA,Rotterdam,The Netherlands;

2. Department of Epidemiology,Erasmus MC,University Medical Center,3000 CA,Rotterdam, The Netherlands conducted a population-based prospective cohort study to study whether lutein exerts a beneficial role on cardiometabolic health in children.

Background

Lutein is a carotenoid with strong antioxidant properties. Previous studies in adults suggest a beneficial role of lutein on cardiometabolic health. However, it is unknown whether this relation also exists in children; therefore, we aimed to assess the relation between lutein intake at 13 months of age and cardiometabolic outcomes at the age of 6 years.

Methodology

The authors included 2044 Dutch children participating in a population-based prospective cohort study. Diet was measured at 13 months of age with an FFQ. Lutein intake was standardised for energy and β-carotene intake. Blood pressure, anthropometrics, serum lipids and insulin were measured at the age of 6 years. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed to measure total and regional fat and lean mass. A continuous cardiometabolic risk factor score was created, including the components body fat percentage, blood pressure, insulin, HDL-cholesterol and TAG. Age- and sex-specific standard deviation scores were created for all outcomes. Multivariable linear regression was performed, including socio-demographic and lifestyle variables.

Results

Median (energy-standardised) lutein intake was 1317 mcg/d (95% range 87, 6069 mcg/d). There were no consistent associations between lutein intake at 13 months and anthropometrics and body composition measures at 6 years of age. In addition, lutein intake was not associated with a continuous cardiometabolic risk factor score, nor was it associated with any of the individual components of the cardiometabolic risk factor score.

Conclusion

Results from this large population-based prospective cohort study do not support the hypothesis that lutein intake early in life has a beneficial role for later cardiometabolic health.

References

Leermakers ET1, Kiefte-de Jong JC2, Hofman A2, Jaddoe VW1, Franco OH1. Lutein intake at the age of 1 year and cardiometabolic health at the age of 6 years: the Generation R Study. Br J Nutr. 114(6):970-8. Sep 28 2015. doi: 10.1017/S0007114515002779. Epub Aug 19 2015