Macular pigment density is reduced in obese subjects.
OBJECTIVE
Because of the potential protective function of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) within the retina and lens, a better understanding of factors influencing tissue deposition is needed. The largest fractions of L and Z are stored in adipose tissue. Thus, higher body fat content and body mass index (BMI) may be expected to influence the quantities of L and Z in the retina (measured as macular pigment optical density, MPOD).


METHODS
Six hundred eighty subjects were tested. Information on MPOD, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (n = 400, using bioelectric impedance), dietary intake (n = 280, using a food frequency questionnaire), and serum carotenoid content (n = 280, using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography) was obtained.


RESULTS
There was an inverse relationship between MPOD and BMI (n = 680, r = -0.12, P < 0.0008) and between MPOD and body fat percentage (n = 400, r = -0.12, P < 0.01). These relationships were largely driven by data from the subjects with higher BMI (more than 29, 21% less MP) and higher body fat percentage (more than 27%, 16% less MP). Dietary carotenoid intake and serum carotenoid levels were also lower in subjects with higher BMI (n = 280).


CONCLUSIONS
Obese subjects tend to have lower retinal L and Z. This reduction may be due to decreased dietary intake of L and Z and/or competition between retina and adipose tissue for uptake of L and Z.
Hammond
Billy R
BR
Vision Science Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA. bhammond@egon.psy.uga.edu
Ciulla
Thomas A
TA
Snodderly
D Max
DM
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D017097:Electric Impedance; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014975:Lutein / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism*; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism*; D012168:Retinal Pigments / Q000378:metabolism*; D024341:Xanthophylls; D065146:Zeaxanthins; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism*
D012168:Retinal Pigments; D024341:Xanthophylls; D065146:Zeaxanthins; D019207:beta Carotene; D002338:Carotenoids; D014975:Lutein