Lee Swanson Research Update

Low Zeaxanthin, Lycopene Levels May Be Indicative of Cognitive Impairment

August 2007

Researchers in France have discovered a statistically significant link between carotenoid levels in the blood and cognitive function, according to a study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences. The study, titled "Plasma Carotenoid Levels and Cognitive Performance in an Elderly Population: Results of an EVA Study," was conducted over nine years and included a population of more than 1,300 healthy elderly people in France.

Results of the study indicate that participants with the lowest cognitive function were more likely to have low levels of zeaxanthin (primarily) and lycopene (to a lesser extent). However, researchers also found that total plasma carotenoids, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and beta-cryptoxanthin showed no statistically significant association with low cognitive performance. Zeaxanthin is a dietary carotenoid found predominantly in the brain and in the macula, the central part of the retina in the eye that is responsible for most fine vision.

One possible explanation for the link is that zeaxanthin eliminates the free radicals in the brain that can proliferate in cases of cognitive impairment, researchers said. Zeaxanthin is found in very low levels in certain foods, including corn, green leafy vegetables and oranges; supplementation is important for the body to have enough of the compound to reap the benefits.

Researchers concluded: "Even if it is not possible to affirm if these low levels of carotenoids precede or are the consequence of cognitive impairment, our results suggest that low carotenoid levels could play a role in cognitive impairment."

The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 62:308-316, 2007

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