Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids present in highly pigmented vegetables
and fruits. Lutein is selectively accumulated in the brain relative to other carotenoids.
Recent evidence has linked lutein to cognition in older adults, but little is known about
lutein in young children, despite structural brain development. We determined lutein
intake using FFQ, one 24 h recall and three 24 h recalls, plasma lutein concentrations and
their association with cognition in 160 children 5·6–5·9 years of age, at low risk for
neurodevelopmental delay. Plasma lutein was skewed, with a median of 0·23 (2·5th to 95th
percentile range 0·11–0·53) µmol/l. Plasma lutein showed a higher correlation with lutein
intake estimated as the average of three 24 h recalls (r 0·479;
P = 0·001), rather than one 24 h recall (r 0·242;
P = 0·003) or FFQ (r 0·316;
P = 0·001). The median lutein intake was 697 (2·5th to 95th percentile
range 178–5287) µg/d based on three 24 h recalls. Lutein intake was inversely associated
with SFA intake, but dietary fat or SFA intakes were not associated with plasma lutein. No
associations were found between plasma lutein or lutein intake and any measure of
cognition. While subtle independent effects of lutein on child cognition are possible,
separating these effects from covariates making an impact on both child diet and cognition
may be difficult.