Augmentation of macular pigment following supplementation with all three macular carotenoids: an exploratory study.
OBJECTIVE
At the macula, the carotenoids meso-zeaxanthin (MZ), lutein (L), and zeaxanthin (Z) are collectively referred to as macular pigment (MP). This study was designed to measure serum and macular responses to a macular carotenoid formulation.


METHODS
Ten subjects were recruited into this study (five normal and five with early age-related macular degeneration [AMD]). Subjects were instructed to consume a formulation containing 7.3 mg of MZ, 3.7 mg of L, and 0.8 mg of Z everyday over an eight-week period. The spatial profile of MP optical density (i.e., MPOD at 0.25 degrees , 0.5 degrees , 1 degrees , and 1.75 degrees ) was measured using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry, and a blood sample was collected at each study visit in order to analyze serum concentrations of MZ, L, and Z.


RESULTS
There was a significant increase in serum concentrations of MZ and L after two weeks of supplementation (p < 0.05). Baseline serum carotenoid analysis detected a small peak eluting at the same time as MZ in all subjects, with a mean +/- SD of 0.02 +/- 0.01 micromol/L. We report significant increases in MPOD at 0.25 degrees , 0.5 degrees , 1 degree , and average MPOD across its spatial profile after just two weeks of supplementation (p < 0.05, for all). Four subjects (one normal and three AMD) who had an atypical MPOD spatial profile (i.e., central dip) at baseline had the more typical MPOD spatial profile (i.e., highest MPOD at the center) after eight weeks of supplementation.


CONCLUSIONS
We report significant increases in serum concentrations of MZ and L following supplementation with MZ, L, and Z and a significant increase in MPOD, including its spatial profile, after two weeks of supplementation. Also, this study has detected the possible presence of MZ in human serum pre-supplementation and the ability of the study carotenoid formulation to rebuild central MPOD in subjects who have atypical profiles at baseline.
Connolly
Eithne E
EE
Macular Pigment Research Group, Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. econnolly@wit.ie
Beatty
Stephen
S
Thurnham
David I
DI
Loughman
James
J
Howard
Alan N
AN
Stack
Jim
J
Nolan
John M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014975:Lutein / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000378:metabolism*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010783:Photometry; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012168:Retinal Pigments / Q000097:blood*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D024341:Xanthophylls / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D065146:Zeaxanthins
D004338:Drug Combinations; D012168:Retinal Pigments; D024341:Xanthophylls; D065146:Zeaxanthins; C584722:meso-zeaxanthin; D014975:Lutein