Augmentation of Macular Pigment Following Supplementation with All Three Macular Carotenoids: An Exploratory Study

Purpose: 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. Materials and 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°, 0.5°, 1°, and 1.75°) 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 μmol/L. We report significant increases in MPOD at 0.25°, 0.5°, 1°, 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. Conclusion: 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 centra

An investigation into macular pigment augmentation with all three macular carotenoids and their safety in humans

TITLE An investigation into macular pigment augmentation with all three macular carotenoids and their safety in humans. INTRODUCTION The macula is located at the centre of the retina and is responsible for fine detailed and colour vision. The centre of the macula houses a protective pigment collectively referred to as macular pigment (MP). MP represents the highest concentration of the carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-zeaxanthin (meso-Z) within the body. MP acts as a filter of short-wave length (blue) light and is a powerful antioxidant. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the central part of the retina called the macula and in its late form, results in loss of central vision. Although the pathogenesis of AMD remains poorly understood, it is believed that cumulative exposure to short-wave length (blue) light and reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) play an important role in the development of AMD. There is a hypothesis that MP can help protect from this disease by virtue of its protective properties. OBJECTIVES This research study was designed to: 1. Investigate macular and serum response to all three macular carotenoids L, Z and meso-Z in humans. 2. To investigate the response, safety and stability of supplementation with L, Z and meso-Z in combination in humans. METHODS Study One: Augmentation of macular pigment following supplementation with all three macular carotenoids: an exploratory study Ten subjects were included in this study (five normal and five with early AMD). All subjects were instructed to consume a formulation containing 7.3 mg of meso-Z, 3.7 mg of L and 0.8 mg of Z per day over an eight week study period. The spatial profile of MP optical density (i.e. MPOD at 0.25°, 0.5°, 1° and 1.75°) was measured using customised heterochromatic flicker photometry (cHFP) and a blood sample was collected at each study visit in order to analyse serum concentrations of meso-Z, L and Z using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Study Two: Supplementation with all three macular carotenoids: response, stability and safety Forty four healthy subjects were recruited into this randomised, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Subjects consumed one tablet per day containing 10.6 mg of meso-Z, 5.9 mg of L and 1.2 mg of Z (Intervention, I group) or Placebo (P group). The spatial profile of MPOD was measured using cHFP, and serum concentrations of L and Z were quantified using HPLC. Subjects were assessed at baseline, three and six months. Clinical pathology analysis was performed at baseline and six months. RESULTS Study One There was a significant increase in serum concentrations of meso-Z and L after two weeks of supplementation (p < 0.05). Baseline serum carotenoid analysis (i.e. pre-supplementation) detected a small peak eluting at the same time as meso-Z in all subjects, with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) concentration of 0.02 ± 0.01μmol/L. We also report significant increases in MPOD at 0.25°, 0.5°, 1° and average MPOD across the spatial profile after just two weeks of supplementation with this formulation (p < 0.05, for all). Four subjects (one normal and three AMD) who had an atypical MPOD spatial profile at baseline (i.e. pre-supplementation), had the more typical MPOD spatial profile (i.e. highest MPOD at the centre) after eight weeks of supplementation with the study formulation. Study Two Serum concentrations of L and Z increased significantly in the I group (p = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively) and remained stable in the P group (p > 0.05). There was a significant increase in central MPOD in the I group (0.25°: p = 0.001; 0.5°: p = 0.001), with no significant change in the P group (p > 0.05). Clinical pathology analysis confirmed that all variables remained within the normal reference range, with the exception of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL), which exhibited baseline values outside the accepted normal reference range prior to supplementation. CONCLUSION Study One There was a significant increase in serum concentrations of meso-Z and L following supplementation with a formulation containing 7.3 mg meso-Z, 3.7 mg L and 0.8 mg Z and a significant increase in MPOD, including its spatial profile, after just two weeks of supplementation. Also, this study detected the possible presence of meso-Z in human serum pre-supplementation and the ability of this carotenoid formulation to rebuild central MPOD in subjects who have atypical profiles at baseline. Study Two Subjects supplemented with meso-Z, L and Z exhibit significant increases in serum concentrations of these carotenoids, and a subsequent increase in central MPOD. Pathology analysis suggests no adverse clinical implications of consuming these carotenoids

Supplementation with All Three Macular Carotenoids: Response, Stability, and Safety

Purpose This study was designed to investigate serum and macular response, and safety, to supplementation with meso-zeaxanthin (MZ), lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), the carotenoids that constitute macular pigment (MP). Materials and Methods 44 healthy subjects were recruited into this randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Subjects consumed one tablet per day containing 10.6 mg MZ, 5.9 mg L and 1.2 mg Z (Intervention, I group) or placebo (P group). The spatial profile of MP optical density (MPOD) was measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP), and serum concentrations of L and Z were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subjects were assessed at baseline, three and six months. Clinical pathology analysis was performed at baseline and six months. Results Serum concentrations of L and Z increased significantly in the I group (p = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively) and remained stable in the P group (p > 0.05). There was a significant increase in central MPOD in the I group (0.25°: p = 0.001; 0.5: p = 0.001), with no significant change in the P group (p > 0.05). Clinical pathology analysis confirmed that all variables remained within the normal reference range, with the exception of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL), which exhibited baseline values outside the accepted normal reference range prior to supplementation. Conclusion Subjects supplemented with MZ, L and Z exhibit significant increases in serum concentrations of these carotenoids, and a subsequent increase in central MPOD. Pathology analysis suggests no adverse clinical implications of consuming these carotenoids

Augmentation of Macular Pigment Following Supplementation with all Three Macular Carotenoids: an Exploratory Study

Purpose: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. Materials and 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 7.3mg of MZ, 3.7mg of L, and 0.8mg of Z everyday over an eight-week period. The spatial profile of MP optical density (i.e., MPOD at 0.25°, 0.5°, 1°, and 1.75°) 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 (

Augmentation of Macular Pigment Following Implantation of Blue Light-Filtering Introcular Lenses at the Time of Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE. (Photo)-oxidative stress is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with the threshold for retinal damage being lowest for short-wavelength (blue) light. Macular pigment (MP), consisting of the carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-Z, has a maximum absorption at 460 nm and protects the retina from (photo)-oxidative injury. This study was designed to investigate whether the blue light–filtering properties of the Alcon AcrySof Natural intraocular lens (ANIOL) implanted during cataract surgery affects MP optical density (MPOD). METHODS. Forty-two patients scheduled for cataract surgery were recruited for the study. These patients all had a preoperative best corrected visual acuity rating (BCVAR) of at least 0.5 (logMAR) in the study eye. The patients were randomized to have either the standard Alcon AcrySof three-piece acrylic intraocular lens (AIOL) (controls) or the ANIOL implanted at the time of cataract surgery. The spatial profile of MPOD (i.e., at 0.25°, 0.5°, 1.0°, and 1.75° eccentricity) was measured with customized heterochromatic flicker photometry (cHFP) 1 week before and 1 week after surgery, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Serum concentrations of L and Z were also measured at each study visit. RESULTS. There was a highly significant and positive correlation between all MPODs (e.g., at 0.25°) recorded 1 week before and after surgery in eyes with an AIOL implant (r = 0.915, P 0.05). There were no significant time or lens effects observed for serum L over the study period (P > 0.05). There was a significant time effect for serum Z over the study period (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. Customized HFP can reliably measure the MPOD spatial profile in the presence of lens opacity, and cataract surgery does not artifactually alter MPOD readings. This study also provides evidence that implanting an IOL that filters blue light is associated with augmentation of MPOD in the absence of raised serum concentrations of L and Z. However, further and longitudinal study is needed to assess whether the observed increase in MPOD after implantation of blue-filtering IOLs is associated with reduced risk of AMD development and/or progression

Augmentation of macular pigment following implantation of blue light-filtering intraocular lenses at the time of cataract surgery

PURPOSE. (Photo)-oxidative stress is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with the threshold for retinal damage being lowest for shortwavelength (blue) light. Macular pigment (MP), consisting of the carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-Z, has a maximum absorption at 460 nm and protects the retina from (photo)-oxidative injury. This study was designed to investigate whether the blue light-filtering properties of the Alcon AcrySof Natural intraocular lens (ANIOL) implanted during cataract surgery affects MP optical density (MPOD). METHODS. Forty-two patients scheduled for cataract surgery were recruited for the study. These patients all had a preoperative best corrected visual acuity rating (BCVAR) of at least 0.5 (logMAR) in the study eye. The patients were randomized to have either the standard Alcon AcrySof three-piece acrylic intraocular lens (AIOL) (controls) or the ANIOL implanted at the time of cataract surgery. The spatial profile of MPOD (i.e., at 0.25°, 0.5°, 1.0°, and 1.75°eccentricity) was measured with customized heterochromatic flicker photometry (cHFP) 1 week before and 1 week after surgery, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Serum concentrations of L and Z were also measured at each study visit. RESULTS. There was a highly significant and positive correlation between all MPODs (e.g., at 0.25°) recorded 1 week before and after surgery in eyes with an AIOL implant (r ϭ 0.915, P Ͻ 0.01; paired samples t-test, P ϭ 0.631) and in those ANIOL implants (r ϭ 0.868, P Ͻ 0.01; paired samples t-test, P ϭ 0.719). Average MPOD across the retina increased significantly with time (after 3 months) in the ANIOL group (repeatedmeasures, general linear model, P Ͻ 0.05), but remained stable in the AIOL group (repeated-measures, general linear model, P Ͼ 0.05). There were no significant time or lens effects observed for serum L over the study period (P Ͼ 0.05). There was a significant time effect for serum Z over the study period (P Ͻ 0.05), but not a significant time/lens interaction (P Ͼ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. Customized HFP can reliably measure the MPOD spatial profile in the presence of lens opacity, and cataract surgery does not artifactually alter MPOD readings. This study also provides evidence that implanting an IOL that filters blue light is associated with augmentation of MPOD in the absence of raised serum concentrations of L and Z. However, further and longitudinal study is needed to assess whether the observed increase in MPOD after implantation of blue-filtering IOLs is associated with reduced risk of AMD development and/or progression. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2009;50: 4777-4785

Macular Pigment Optical Density in an Aging Irish Population: the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Purpose: The 3 carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, which account for the ‘yellow spot’ at the macula and which are referred to as macular pigment (MP), are believed to play a role in visual function and protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) via their optical and antioxidant properties. This study was undertaken to compare MP optical density (MPOD) in a population aged ≧50 years with MPOD values from a normative database of subjects aged 18–60 years. Methods: Seventy-nine subjects were recruited into this pilot study (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing-TILDA). MPOD was measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry. Retinal fundus photographs, lifestyle data and general health data, were also obtained. Results: The mean ± SD age of the 79 subjects recruited into this study was 65 ± 11 years. There was a moderate, but statistically significant, age-related decline in MPOD at 0.5° in the TILDA data (r = –0.251, p = 0.045), which remained upon merging with a normative database of an additional 462 subjects aged between 18 and 67 years (r = –0.179, p = 0.000). Conclusions: We report an inverse association between MPOD and increasing age. Longitudinal data in a larger cohort of participants are required to satisfactorily investigate the relationship between the optical density of this pigment and age, and with risk for development and/or progression of AMD. This pilot study represents a first step in this endeavour

Supplementation With Three Different Macular Carotenoid Formulations in Patients With Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Purpose: To investigate the impact of three different macular carotenoid formulations on macular pigment optical density and visual performance in subjects with early age-related macular degeneration. Methods: Fifty-two subjects were supplemented and followed for 12 months, 17 of them were in intervention Group 1 (20 mg/day lutein and 2 mg/day zeaxanthin); 21 in Group 2 (10 mg/day meso-zeaxanthin, 10 mg/day lutein, and 2 mg/day zeaxanthin); and 14 in Group 3 (17 mg/day meso-zeaxanthin, 3 mg/day lutein, and 2 mg/day zeaxanthin). The macular pigment optical density was measured using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry, and visual function was assessed using corrected distance visual acuity and by letter contrast sensitivity. Results: A statistically significant increase in the macular pigment optical density was observed at all measured eccentricities in Group 2 (P # 0.005) and in Group 3 (P , 0.05, for all), but only at 1.75° in Group 1 (P = 0.018). Statistically significant (P , 0.05) improvements in letter contrast sensitivity were seen at all spatial frequencies (except 1.2 cycles per degree) in Group 3, and at low spatial frequencies in Groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: Augmentation of the macular pigment optical density across its spatial profile and enhancements in contrast sensitivity were best achieved after supplementation with a formulation containing high doses of meso-zeaxanthin in combination with lutein and zeaxanthin

Education is positively associated with macular pigment:the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

The three carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, are found at the macula and referred to as macular pigment (MP). This study was undertaken to investigate determinants of MP in a large randomly selected sample from the Republic of Ireland (as part of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing [TILDA])