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The latest science behind eye health and age-related macular degeneration

Date: On Demand
Time: 2pm EDT
Length: 60 minutes

Description:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is major health issue among the elderly. Intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin have been implicated in decreased risk of AMD. Dietary surveys indicate that average intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin in the U.S. are below levels associated with AMD prevention.

In the eye, lutein and zeaxanthin may act as antioxidants and as blue light filters to protect the underlying tissues from phototoxic damage.  In the macula, the lutein and zeaxanthin (or xanthophylls) are highly concentrated and are referred to as macular pigment. Our studies in healthy adults report that macular pigment density is related to serum concentrations of xanthophylls. Our intervention studies find that macular pigment can be increased with lutein supplements or foods rich in xanthophylls. However, the response is varied among individuals. In part, this may be due to individual differences in lipoprotein profiles (the sole transporters of xanthophylls) or body composition (body fat is the major storage site for xanthophylls). Our research finds that increases in macular pigment density with lutein supplementation are related to lipoprotein profiles that are associated with health. Further, increased body fat is associated with decreased intestinal absorption of lutein and decreased macular pigment density. Given that there is no cure for AMD, the study of the role of lutein and zeaxanthin in its prevention is warranted.

Speakers: 

Elizabeth J. Johnson, Ph.D., is a research scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging and assistant professor at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. Her research interests are in the area of nutrition and eye disease prevention, with a specific focus on carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids and age-related macular degeneration. Johnson has consulting experiences includes Cargill Inc, Bausch & Lomb, Alcon Industries, Emord & Associates, Whitehall Robins Health Care, and Unilever Research Laboratories. She has membership with the International Carotenoid Society and American Society for Nutritional Sciences. Major committee assignments include, NIH/NIDDK Scientific Review Group, Donahue Foundation, Scientific Advisory Board Member, Carotenoid Research Interactive Group, USDA: 1890 Capacity Building Grant Review Group, Macular and Nutrition Group, and NIH: Biology of Development and Aging SBIR/STTR Scientific Review Group.

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