The influence of supplemental lutein and docosahexaenoic acid on serum, lipoproteins, and macular pigmentation.
BACKGROUND
Lutein and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lutein is a component of macular pigment. DHA is in the retina.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this 4-mo study was to determine the effects of lutein (12 mg/d) and DHA (800 mg/d) on their serum concentrations and macular pigment optical density (MPOD).


METHODS
Forty-nine women (60-80 y) were randomly assigned to placebo, DHA, lutein, or lutein + DHA supplement. Serum was analyzed for lutein and DHA (0, 2, and 4 mo). MPOD was determined (0 and 4 mo) at 0.4, 1.5, 3, and 5 degrees temporal retinal eccentricities. Serum was analyzed for lipoproteins (4 mo).


RESULTS
There was no interaction between lutein and DHA supplementations for serum lutein and MPOD. The lutein supplementation x DHA supplementation x month interaction was significant for serum DHA response (P < 0.05). In the lutein group, serum lutein increased from baseline at 2 and 4 mo (P < 0.001), and MPOD increased at 3.0 degrees (P < 0.01). In the DHA group, serum DHA increased at 2 and 4 mo (P < 0.0001), and MPOD increased at 0.4 degrees (P < 0.05). In the lutein + DHA group, serum lutein and DHA increased at 2 and 4 mo (P < 0.01), and MPOD increased at 0.4, 1.5, and 3 degrees (P = 0.06, 0.08, and 0.09, respectively). Differences from placebo in lipoprotein subfractions were greatest for the lutein + DHA group (4 mo).


CONCLUSIONS
Lutein supplementation increased MPOD eccentrically. DHA resulted in central increases. These results may be due to changes in lipoproteins. Lutein and DHA may aid in prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
Johnson
Elizabeth J
EJ
Jean Mayer US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. elizabeth.johnson@tufts.edu
Chung
Hae-Yun
HY
Caldarella
Susan M
SM
Snodderly
D Max
DM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects; D014975:Lutein / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000378:metabolism; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism
D008074:Lipoproteins; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D014975:Lutein