Markers of lutein and zeaxanthin status in two age groups of men and women: dietary intake, serum concentrations, lipid profile and macular pigment optical density

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether weight loss is associated with changes in serum concentrations of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), and/or macular pigment optical density (MPOD). We recruited 104 overweight subjects into this randomised controlled weight loss study. For the intervention group (I group), weight was assessed weekly and body composition, including BMI (kg/m2) and body fat (kg and percentage), was assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Weight loss was encouraged using dietary and exercise programmes. MPOD was measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry and serum concentrations of L and Z by HPLC (at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months). The control (C) group was assessed at baseline and 12 months. Repeated-measures ANOVA (RMA) demonstrated significant weight loss in the I group over the study period (P = 0·000). There was no significant weight change in the C group (P = 0·993). RMA of dietary L and Z, serum L and Z, and MPOD demonstrated no significant time or time × group interaction effect in any of these parameters (P>0·05 for all), with the exception of a significant decrease in the dietary intake of Z seen in both groups, over the study period (P < 0·05). There was a positive and significant relationship between body fat loss (kg) and increase in serum concentrations of L in the I group (r 0·521; P = 0·006). Our finding that a reduction in body composition (e.g. fat mass) is related to increases in serum concentrations of L is consistent with the hypothesis that body fat acts as a reservoir for this carotenoid, and that weight loss can positively influence circulating carotenoid levels.

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Assessment of Maternal Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) as a Potential Marker for Dietary Carotenoid Intake during Lactation in Humans

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu14010182 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 182

Author(s):

Ateka Al-Hassan ◽

Rutvi Vyas ◽

Yue Zhang ◽

Michaela Sisitsky ◽

Borjan Gagoski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Optical Density ◽

Postpartum Period ◽

Macular Pigment ◽

Macular Pigment Optical Density ◽

Dietary Recommendations ◽

Early Postpartum Period ◽

Potential Marker ◽

Nutrient Reserve ◽

Early Postpartum

Pregnancy and lactation can change the maternal nutrient reserve. Non-invasive, quantitative markers of maternal nutrient intake could enable personalized dietary recommendations that improve health outcomes in mothers and infants. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is a candidate marker, as MPOD values generally reflect carotenoid intake. We evaluated the association of MPOD with dietary and breastmilk carotenoids in postpartum women. MPOD measurements and dietary intake of five carotenoids were obtained from 80 mothers in the first three months postpartum. Breastmilk samples from a subset of mothers were analyzed to determine their nutrient composition. The association between MPOD and dietary or breastmilk carotenoids was quantitatively assessed to better understand the availability and mobilization of carotenoids. Our results showed that dietary α-carotene was positively correlated with MPOD. Of the breastmilk carotenoids, 13-cis-lutein and trans-lutein were correlated with MPOD when controlled for the total lutein in breastmilk. Other carotenoids in breastmilk were not associated with MPOD. Maternal MPOD is positively correlated with dietary intake of α-carotene in the early postpartum period, as well as with the breastmilk content of lutein. MPOD may serve as a potential marker for the intake of carotenoids, especially α-carotene, in mothers in the early postpartum period.

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Monthly Consistency of Macular Pigment Optical Density and Serum Concentrations of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Current Eye Research ◽

10.1080/02713680500514677 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 199-213 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

John M. Nolan ◽

Jim Stack ◽

John Mellerio ◽

Margery Godhinio ◽

Orla O'Donovan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Density ◽

Macular Pigment ◽

Serum Concentrations ◽

Macular Pigment Optical Density

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Effect of Long-Term Xanthophyll and Anthocyanin Supplementation on Lutein and Zeaxanthin Serum Concentrations and Macular Pigment Optical Density in Postmenopausal Women

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10080959 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 959 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Begoña Olmedilla-Alonso ◽

Rocío Estévez-Santiago ◽

José-Manuel Silván ◽

Milagros Sánchez-Prieto ◽

Sonia de Pascual-Teresa

Keyword(s):

Serum Concentration ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Optical Density ◽

Macular Pigment ◽

Macular Pigment Optical Density ◽

Group A ◽

Short And Long Term ◽

Ocular Health

Xanthophylls (lutein, L; zeaxanthin, Z) and anthocyanins are often included in food supplements to improve ocular health. There are no dietary reference intakes for them. The aim was to assess the effects of L, Z and anthocyanin supplementation on short and long-term lutein status markers (serum concentration and macular pigment optical density (MPOD)). Seventy-two postmenopausal women were randomized into a parallel study of 8 months: Group A—anthocyanines (60 mg/day); Group X—xanthophylls (6 mg L + 2 mg Z/day); Group X+A—anthocyanines (60 mg/day) + xanthophylls (6 mg L + 2 mg Z/day). At the beginning of the study, 4 and 8 month serum L and Z concentrations were determined (HPLC), as well as L, Z and anthocyanine dietary intake and MPOD (heterochromic flicker photometry). Baseline concentrations of L (0.35 ± 0.19 μmol/L), Z (0.11 ± 0.05 μmol/L), L+Z/cholesterol/triglycerides (0.07 ± 0.04 μmol/mmol) increased in Group X (2.8- and 1.6-fold in L and Z concentrations) and in group XA (2- and 1.4-fold in L and Z concentrations). MPOD (baseline: 0.32 ± 0.13 du) was not modified in any of the groups at the end of the study. There were no differences in the dietary intake of L+Z and anthocyanin at any point in time in any group. Supplementation of L and Z at a dietary level provoked an increase in their serum concentration that was not modified by simultaneous supplementation with anthocyanins.

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