Abstract: Objective: Lutein is an antioxidant carotenoid exerting a key role in eye health, but no reference curve in the perinatal period is available. Design and methods: We conducted a prospective study on the distribution of lutein and its metabolite 3′-oxolutein in arterial cord blood of preterm (n=40) and term (n=76) newborns according to gestational age, sex and delivery modalities. Results: Lutein and 3′-oxolutein concentrations peaked at the beginning of third trimester (P<0.01, for both) being higher in the preterm than in term group. From 36weeks onwards, lutein and 3′-oxolutein levels progressively decreased reaching the lowest levels at term between 41 and 42weeks (P<0.01, for both). Lutein and 3′-oxolutein significantly (P<0.01, for all) correlated with each other (R=0.33) and with gestational age at sampling (R=0.31 and R=0.38 for lutein and 3-oxolutein, respectively) (P<0.001, for all). Indeed, lutein and 3′-oxolutein concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05, for all) in female than in male and significantly lower (P<0.01, for both) in newborns delivered by caesarean section when compared to vaginal delivery. Conclusions: Since macula densa and retina are sites of lutein accumulation, the present findings open-up a new cue on the potential role of lutein in the prevention of the retinopathy of prematurity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]