Lutein Ester Supplements Enhance MPOD

MIAMILutein ester dietary supplements dose-dependently increase macular pigment optical density (MPOD), according to a new study from Florida International University (Arch Biochem Biophys. ePub 22 Jun 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2010.06.019). Researchers sought to assess the impact of lutein diesters gelcaps (supplied by Cognis Nutrition & Health) on serum lutein concentration and rate of increase of MPOD over a six-month period. Subjects were also assessed on their proficiency in the heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) self-administered test, used to measure MPOD.

A total of 100 subjects were recruited for the study, 87 completed the 140 days; exclusion criteria included being a smoker, having an abnormal digestive condition or taking a dietary supplement that already supplied a significant amount of lutein or zeaxanthin. Subjects received either lutein supplements (5, 10 or 20 mg/d) or identical looking placebos, which were consumed with a meal.

Subjects consuming the lutein ester supplements showed a steady, linear, dose-dependent increase in serum lutein concentrations, reaching a steady-state plateau. MPOD also increased at a rate that varied linearly with dose in adults taking lutein esters. Variability in MPOD response among subjects who were more proficient at HFP was due in part to fractional changes in serum lutein concentrations. There were no significant differences in the MPOD response or serum lutein changes based on age.

While the intervention ran for six months, there was no follow up at this time to assess how long the increase in lutein levels or macular pigment density held up. The lead researcher, Richard A. Bone, told INSIDER it is likely reasonable to assume there is an upper limit to MPOD, and that the effects of supplements may be persistent. He added, If subjects cease taking the supplement, we and others have found that elevated levels of macular pigment are maintained for long periods measurable in months or years.