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Effect of the selected carotenoids zeaxantin and lutein on human visual processing speed, chromatic color discrimination, and critical flicker fusion frequency threshold

Antonio Perez,Bryson F. Trask,Bert H Jacobson

Published 2025 in International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine

ABSTRACT

Zeaxantin (Z) and lutein (L) are two of only three carotenoids highly concentrated in the retina of the eye as macular pigments. These also appear in the visual cortex and frontal lobe and play an essential role in visual acuity. Furthermore, in the brain, these carotenoids can be associated with visual performance such as processing speed and color perception. Previous research on the effect of Z and L processing speed has met with inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to determine if the carotenoids Z and L alone or in combination (Z+L) has an effect on visual reaction time (VRT), critical flicker fusion frequency threshold (CFF) and chromatic color discrimination (CCD). VRT was assessed using a computerized visual reaction test consisting of a large red circle on a blue field. At random intervals, the circle would turn green at which the participant would click the mouse button. CFF was assessed by a computerized program capable of timing participant’s perception. CCD was assessed using the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test. Healthy participants (n=50) ranging in age from 18 to 23 years were pre-tested on VRT, CFF, and CCD and subsequently given either 5mg Z, 30mg L, a combination of 5mg Z and 5mg Lutein, or placebo. After one week, participants were tested again. Results of repeated measures ANOVAs yielded no pre- to post-test significance (p>0.05) for VRT. However, the three carotenoid supplements recorded slightly faster times than the placebo. For CFF, only the Z+L group improved significantly. In the assessment of CCD, both L and the combination of Z and L resulted in significantly (p<0.05) greater accuracy in chromatic contrast discrimination. The enhancement carotenoids in visual processing and hue discrimination may be advantageous is areas that require rapid reaction and hue discrimination such as some sports and job related tasks.

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