title: [Effects of Constant Intake of Lutein-rich Spinach on Macular Pigment Optical Density: a Pilot Study].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Anti-oxidative nutrient supplements, including lutein, are an important preventive approach for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this pilot study, we obtained data required for planning a future dietary intervention study investigating the prevention of AMD progression with lutein-rich spinach.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined 22 eyes from 11 healthy nonsmokers (ages 21-45 years) who ingested 75 g of frozen spinach containing 10 mg lutein every day for 2 months. Food frequency questionnaire, measurement of macular pigment optical density (MPOD), and eye and blood examinations were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean lutein ± SD intake from food was 0.87 ± 0.76 mg/1,000 kcal at baseline. Mean MPOD, best corrected visual acuity, and serum lutein concentrations were increased at 1 and 2 months compared with baseline.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Constant intake of lutein-rich spinach increased both MPOD and serum lutein concentrations. These data are important for planning of a future interventional study examining the effects of dietary lutein.
authors.forename: Yoko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ozawa
authors.forename: Norihiro
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nagai
authors.forename: Misa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Toshihide
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kurihara
authors.forename: Hajime
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shinoda
authors.forename: Mitsuru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.forename: Kazuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsubota
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005123:Eye / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014975:Lutein / Q000378:metabolism*; D065348:Macular Pigment / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018724:Spinacia oleracea; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D065348:Macular Pigment; D014975:Lutein