title: Lutein and zeaxanthin status and auditory thresholds in a sample of young healthy adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Dietary carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) have been linked to improved visual and cognitive function. These effects are thought to be mediated by the presence of these pigments in critical regions of the retina and brain. There, it has been postulated that L and Z mediate improved performance by enhancing neural efficiency. The auditory system also relies on efficient segregating of signals and noise and LZ are also found in the auditory cortex. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of LZ status (as assessed by the measuring levels in retina) on auditory thresholds in young non-smokers (N = 32, M = 20.72 ± 3.28 years).
  
  
  METHODS
  LZ status was determined by measuring macular pigment (MP) optical density using a standardized psychophysical technique (customized heterochromatic flicker photometry). Auditory thresholds were assessed with puretone thresholds and puretone auditory thresholds in white noise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MP density was related to many, but not all, of the puretone thresholds we tested: 250 Hz (F(6,32) = 4.36, P < 0.01), 500 Hz (F(6,32) = 2.25, P < 0.05), 1000 Hz (F(6,32) = 3.22, P < 0.05), and 6000 Hz (F(6,32) = 2.56, P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The overall pattern of results is consistent with a role for L and Z in maintaining optimal auditory function.
authors.affiliation: a Neuroscience Program, University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: b Speech and Hearing Clinic, Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.
authors.forename: Holly S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kaplan
authors.affiliation: c Brain and Behavioral Sciences Program, University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.
authors.forename: Billy R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Hammond
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D000072001:Diet, Healthy; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D014975:Lutein / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065348:Macular Pigment / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism; D057566:Self Report; D055815:Young Adult; D065146:Zeaxanthins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D065348:Macular Pigment; D065146:Zeaxanthins; D014975:Lutein
keywords: Auditory thresholds; Lutein; Zeaxanthin