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Lutein Benefits
Can Children Use It?
Lutein is not a common ingredient in children's multivitamins. Because most of the common uses for it are associated with the elderly, there has been little interest in using lutein supplements for children. Check with your child's healthcare provider before giving your child any medication or dietary supplement.Lutein is added to some baby formulas, based on the idea that the substance is found naturally in breast milk. However, there is little evidence to suggest that this addition provides benefit. There is some thought that premature infants in particular might benefit from such formulas, as they are at a high risk for an eye problem known as retinopathy of prematurity.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD