A new study finds that lutein supplementation increases MPOD, and a correlation was found between the change in MPOD and the change in VA and MDLT such that patients who show a pronounced increase in MPOD also benefit in terms of visual function. Genetic and environmental risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have been...

Lutein-only and zeaxanthin-only supplementation for 12 months each increased macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and improved visual function in men with mild to moderate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Macular pigment is composed principally of 2 isomeric carotenoids, lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Zx), and the L metabolite meso-Zx (...

The findings of a meta-analysis indicate that dietary lutein and zeaxanthin is not significantly associated with a reduced risk of early AMD, whereas an increase in the intake of these carotenoids may be protective against late AMD. Dietary antioxidants, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, are hypothesized to have the capacity to modulate...

Macular pigment is the collective name for three carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, which are found at higher concentrations in the retina than anywhere else in the body, and to the exclusion of all other carotenoids. They are only accessible to the body by dietary intake of foodstuffs or supplements containing them, with high...

Low macular pigment optical density (MPOD) may be a risk factor for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), according to a new study. Macular pigment is composed of three carotenoids (i.e., lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin). Lutein and zeaxanthin can be obtained only from food, and meso-zeaxanthin is synthesized mainly from...

Commercially available devices for measuring macular pigment are not precise enough to detect the increase in pigment that normally occurs following lutein supplementation, according to a new study. Twenty-four studies have investigated the repeatability of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements using heterochromatic flicker...

Consumption of 2 and 4 egg yolks per day for 5 weeks increases macular pigment concentrations in older adults with low macular pigment taking cholesterol-lowering statins, according to a new study. Lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of dry age-related macular degeneration because of their photo-oxidative role as macular pigment....

Implantation of a yellow-tinted intraocular lens (IOL) during cataract surgery leads to increased macular pigment optical density (MPOD), according to a new research study. Macular pigment (MP), which is entirely of dietary origin, and composed of the xanthophyll carotenoids: lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-Z, is thought to protect against...

Using data from the AREDS study, researchers find that a low glycemic index diet rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and lutein/zeaxanthin was associated with a lower risk of early and late age-related macular degeneration. Foods provide many nutrients that may interact to modify risk for...

No statistically significant difference was seen in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months in patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) taking oral supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin plus coantioxidants. The findings were presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2009 Annual...