Lutein and Zeaxanthin Improve Markers of Visual Performance

by | Dec 10, 2018 | 2014, Carotenoids, Eye Health, Lutein, Zeaxanthin

Written by Angeline A. De Leon, Staff Writer. Of the 115 participating young healthy subjects, those who supplemented daily with 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin had significantly increased serum levels of macular pigment optical density and improvements in chromatic contrast and recovery from photostress.

eye healthCarotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin (plant-derived pigments concentrated in the inner layers of the human macula, referred to as macular pigment) 1 function as a blue light filter 2, selectively absorbing light within the 400-500 nm range of the visible light spectrum and protecting against age-related macular degeneration 3,4. Ample evidence suggests that higher macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is related to reduced disability associated with glare (reduction of visual acuity caused by stray light in the field of vision) 5 and improved photostress recovery (time needed for macula to return to normal function following exposure to a bright light source) 5. Previous studies have also demonstrated that macular pigment is associated with enhanced chromatic contrast (referring to differences in color in a visual stimulus) 6,7. In a study conducted by Stringham and Hammond (2008) 8, it was shown that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin for six months could increase MPOD and significantly diminish the effects of glare disability and photostress recovery. In a follow-up study in 2014 9, researchers sought to extend findings by determining whether a longer-term intervention involving lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation could also benefit measures of chromatic contrast in addition to glare disability and photostress recovery.

Using a prospective, randomized, double-blind parallel study design, researchers recruited a total of 115 young healthy volunteers (mean age = 23.7 years and 22.7 years, respectively for treatment and placebo). Participants were randomly assigned to ingest a tablet containing either 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin (L + Z) or an identical placebo once daily for a total duration of one year. At baseline and once every three months, MPOD was measured using a macular densitometer and photostress recovery, glare disability, and chromatic contrast were assessed using an optical viewing apparatus. Fasting blood samples were also collected and analyzed for determination of serum levels of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Over the course of the study period, significant increases in both plasma lutein and zeaxanthin were observed for the L + Z group vs. placebo (p < 0.001 for both L and Z), starting after the first three months. MPOD was also found to be significantly increased for L + Z, relative to placebo, at all retinal locations measured (10, 30, 60, and 105 minutes from the center of the macula) (p < 0.05 for all). The placebo group showed no significant changes in photostress recovery or chromatic contrast, however, the supplemented group demonstrated improvement on both parameters (daily change of –0.019 for photostress recovery, p = 0.013; daily change of 0.00037 for chromatic contrast, p = 0.030). Across both groups, MPOD levels (at 30 minutes from the center of the macula) were significantly correlated with photostress recovery (p = 0.002), glare disability (p = 0.03), and chromatic contrast (p < 0.0001).

Results from the study are consistent with previous research suggesting that higher levels of MPOD are associated with improved visual performance 5-7. This study demonstrates that, through dietary supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin, increases in MPOD are achievable and appear to be associated with enhanced recovery from photostress as well as improved chromatic contrast. Such functional improvements could have valuable benefits for daily visual performance such as perception of distant objects during driving. Researchers note that one limitation of the study may be the presence of noise within their measurement of glare, which could have been responsible for the null effect regarding glare disability. Future studies should further explore the potential benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation for the visually impaired across all age groups.

Source: Hammond, Billy R., Laura M. Fletcher, Franz Roos, Jonas Wittwer, and Wolfgang Schalch. “A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on photostress recovery, glare disability, and chromatic contrast.” Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 55, no. 12 (2014): 8583-8589. DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-15573.

©2014 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

Posted December 10, 2018.

Angeline A. De Leon, MA, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010, completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a concentration in neuroscience. She received her master’s degree from The Ohio State University in 2013, where she studied clinical neuroscience within an integrative health program. Her specialized area of research involves the complementary use of neuroimaging and neuropsychology-based methodologies to examine how lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and meditation, can influence brain plasticity and enhance overall connectivity.

References:

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