Lutein, Zeaxanthin Promote Eye Health
DURHAM, N.H.--Researchers from the University of New Hampshire found consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin may promote eye health by positively affecting macular pigment (MP), linked to decreasing eye damage, according to research published in the May 2005 issue of The Journal of Nutrition (5, 135:1208-1214, 2005).
Researchers investigated dietary intake and serum concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in 98 adults, 45 to 73 years old. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was measured and compared with participants' fasting serum concentrations and dietary levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. Participants who consumed the highest amounts of fruits and vegetables had greater MPOD than low-consuming participants. Based on age quartiles, the youngest and oldest groups had higher MPOD than those in the middle of the age grouping. Researchers concluded diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin positively contribute to eye health by increasing MPOD.