Boosting Children's Brain Power and School Success with Carotenoids
Enhancing Children's Cognitive Function and Achievement through Carotenoid Consumption
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · NIH-11127439
This project explores if adding certain plant nutrients, called carotenoids, to children's diets can help improve their thinking skills and academic performance.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11127439 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our diets play a big role in how our brains develop, especially during childhood. This project focuses on lutein, a plant pigment found in leafy green vegetables, which is important for brain health and acts as an antioxidant. We believe that increasing lutein intake could lead to better attention, memory, and school achievement in preadolescent children. To find out, we will conduct a study where some children receive carotenoid supplements and others receive a placebo, then observe changes in their brain health and learning over nine months.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be preadolescent children, typically between 0-11 years old, interested in improving their cognitive function and academic achievement.
Not a fit: Children who already consume a diet rich in lutein and other carotenoids may not see additional benefits from supplementation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could show that simple dietary changes or supplements can significantly enhance children's cognitive abilities and academic success.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has linked higher levels of lutein in the brain to better cognitive function in children, but a direct causal link through dietary intervention has not yet been fully established.
Where this research is happening
CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN — CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KHAN, NAIMAN — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- Study coordinator: KHAN, NAIMAN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.