Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, showcased its scientific leadership in lutein by presenting new findings from the LuTEEN study at the 2025 annual Brain and Ocular Nutrition (BON) Conference. The study, conducted by National University and led by Dr. Brenda Fonseca, Kemin Human Nutrition & Health Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator, is the first randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to examine the effects of lutein on cognitive performance and eye health in healthy pre-teens and teenagers consuming a Western diet.
In the study, 59 children aged 8 to 16 years—each exposed to more than four hours of screen time daily—were supplemented with either five milligrams of Kemin’s FloraGLO® Lutein in a natural, sugar-free gummy or an identical placebo. Key findings from the FloraGLO Lutein group, compared to placebo, included:
13% improvement in a cognitive assessment of focus and self-control, enhancing cognitive functions that are critical to problem-solving and learning skills
14% increase in macular pigment density levels in the eye, specifically across the macula
6% reduction in digital eye strain, improving eye comfort
“Adolescence is a key developmental window for the brain,” said Dr. Fonseca. “Supporting adolescents’ cognitive function can help lay the foundation for lifelong success. Parents, educators, and public health leaders recognize that investing in adolescents’ brain health not only helps improve academic outcomes today but helps strengthen the future of our communities. By supplementing with a low dose of FloraGLO Lutein, equal to about a one quarter cup of cooked spinach, adolescents can have a simple yet effective nutritional strategy to set them up for success in a modern digital landscape.”
The LuTEEN study underscores the essential role of lutein for all ages and stages of life. Findings suggest that supplementing Kemin’s FloraGLO Lutein at a low daily dosage in healthy pre-teen and teenage children could play a role in supporting cognitive performance and eye health and reducing digital eye strain during critical developmental years, especially for children with high screen-time exposure.
This latest research on the benefits of FloraGLO Lutein for teens and pre-teens was presented by Kemin at the Brain and Ocular Nutrition Conference. “BON is a unique platform where scientists present their latest work to peers from across the world,” said Professor John Nolan, President, BON. “The electronic poster session in particular provides an opportunity for evaluation by an independent committee that judges the research based on novelty, scientific quality, and potential impact.”
Dr. Fonseca was also awarded the prestigious Alan Howard Medal for best oral presentation at BON, recognizing the study’s scientific rigor and potential impact.
Click here to download a copy of the LuTEEN study abstract. Click here for more information on FloraGLO Lutein.
