[The macular pigment: short- and intermediate-term changes of macular pigment optical density following supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin and co-antioxidants. The LUNA Study].
BACKGROUND
How long do the elevated concentrations of macular pigment persist after stopping supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin?


METHODS
One hundred eight (108) probands with and without age-related macular degeneration (68 female, 40 male, age 51-87 years) received a supplement containing 12 mg lutein and 1 mg zeaxanthin once per day (Ocuvite lutein) for 6 months. Analysis of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was performed during the period of supplementation and again 3, 6, and 9 months following discontinuation of the supplement. A control group of 28 subjects received no dietary supplement.


RESULTS
At baseline, the mean MPOD at 0.5 degrees was 0.50 in the supplemented group. Following supplementation, values rose, and 3 months after discontinuation of supplementation the highest levels of MPOD0.5 degrees (0.59 ODU) were detected (increase of +0.1 ODU, (p<0.001). Six months after supplement discontinuation, a slight decrease of mean MPOD0.5 degrees appeared (to 0.54 ODU), followed again by a slight increase 3 months later (to 0.57 ODU). An increment of MPOD0.5 degrees in the control group was not significant (0.03 ODU, p=0.15).


CONCLUSIONS
Supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin leads to an increase of MPOD0.5 degrees . This effect outlasts the duration of intake, and 9 months after supplementation was stopped, the mean MPOD0.5 degrees was still elevated compared with baseline levels. A longer follow-up subsequent to stopping supplementation might clarify whether the values decrease over time or whether a plateau of elevated MPOD levels is reached. High doses of lutein and zeaxanthin seem to be necessary to increase macular pigment density in the retina; afterwards, the amount of carotenoids needed to maintain high concentrations seems to be covered by daily food.
Zeimer
M
M
St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Deutschland. meiketri@aol.com
Hense
H W
HW
Heimes
B
B
Austermann
U
U
Fobker
M
M
Pauleikhoff
D
D
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000975:Antioxidants; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014975:Lutein / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D012168:Retinal Pigments / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D024341:Xanthophylls / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D065146:Zeaxanthins
D000975:Antioxidants; D012168:Retinal Pigments; D024341:Xanthophylls; D065146:Zeaxanthins; D014975:Lutein