Study Shows Natural Lutein Esters Increases Macular Pigment Density

Natural lutein esters may benefit those at risk or already showing early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. The results of a study published in the April 2007 issue of Experimental Eye Research (Changes in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and serum concentrations of its constituent carotenoids following supplemental lutein and zeaxanthin: The LUNA study, Vol. 84, No. 4:718-728), add to the compelling evidence that natural lutein esters play an important role in eye health.

The LUNA study, conducted by ophthalmologist Dr. Meike Trieschmann and colleagues at the Institute of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany, set out to investigate what effect a supplement would have on blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin and on the density of the macular pigment.

An intervention group of 108 adults received a daily supplement containing antioxidantsincluding 12 mg lutein from Xangold® lutein estersfor six months. The men and women, with an average age of 71.5 years, nearly all exhibited early symptoms of AMD. A control group of 28 subjects received no food supplements.

Results in the intervention group showed substantial increases in blood levels of lutein and a statistically significant average increase of 16% in macular pigment density. Moreover, 25% of the group had increases in MPOD averaging an astonishing 50%. No such increases were seen in the control group.

A significant augmentation of macular pigment density was found in a majority of study subjects, including those afflicted with AMD. The importance of these findings rests on the fact that the beneficial effects of these antioxidants can also be extended to subjects with established disease, said Trieschmann.

The macular pigment is made up entirely of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and is located at the center of the retina, at the site of highest visual acuity. The antioxidant properties of the carotenoids and their ability to screen harmful blue light are widely believed to help protect the eye against the development of AMD.

The authors concluded: Given the anatomic, biochemical and optical properties of MP (macular pigment), there is a biologically plausible rationale to suggest that supplemental lutein and/or zeaxanthin may delay, prevent, or modify the course of AMD.

The supplement used in the study consisted of 12 mg lutein and 1 mg zeaxanthin, both provided in the ester form as Xangold, 120 mg vitamin C, 17.6 mg vitamin E, 10 mg zinc and 40 µg selenium. In the intervention group, macular pigment density was measured on 5 occasions during the supplementation phase of the trial, and once again 3 months after supplementation had been discontinued. The control group was examined at baseline and once again at the end of the study.

The Xangold lutein esters used in the study were provided by Cognis.