3 Reasons Why Lutein Should Be in Your Child's Diet

Here are three reasons why lutein should be part of your child's diet.

1 - Lutein cannot be synthesized by the body

Lutein is a carotenoid that is found in high concentration in the macula, a highly sensitive area on the retina that allows us to see objects with great details. Lutein's most important property is its ability to filter high energy blue light (light in the wavelength range between 400 - 500 nm on the visible light spectrum) that is known to have effect on young and immature eyes.

However, your child's body (and yours!) cannot generate its own lutein; it must be obtained through the food he eats. Foods rich with lutein are dark green leafy vegetables such as kale (same family of vegetables as Brussels sprouts and cabbage) and spinach, turnip, green peas and lettuce.

2 - Lutein-rich foods also contain many other vitamins and minerals

Most foods which contain high amounts of lutein are fruits and vegetables, which are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. For example, kale is an excellent source of vitamin C and minerals such as iron, manganese, calcium and potassium. Similarly, spinach contains dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, niacin and zinc.

By encouraging your child to eat more foods containing lutein, you will not only be caring for his eyes, but also promoting holistic and healthier physical and mental development.

3 - Left on their own, children just don't eat enough lutein-rich foods

Let's face it, children just don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. A recent survey of the eating habits of children aged 4 - 24 months in the United States revealed that fewer than 10% ate dark green, leafy vegetables at least once a day.

Any mother would tell you that she faces the same situation when it comes to their own child. Compared to recommendations for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, it is obvious that our young ones are not getting the nutrients they need, much less lutein.

Lutein added into milk

Lutein addition in newer generation of formulated milk powder for children 1 -7 years old is supported on many fronts:

- helps bridge the nutritional gap between formula and the children's diet, both in terms of composition as well as in its effect on the child

- ensures a consistent and adequate intake of the nutrient

- provide a more complete set of biofactors for eye development

However, lutein should be present in the company of a whole host of other crucial nutrients which are also known as biofactors, a comprehensive and unique age-appropriate combination of ingredients that promote physical and mental development.