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Supplement improves chromatic contrast, photostress recovery
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A daily lutein and zeaxanthin supplement significantly increased serum levels and macular pigment optical density and improved chromatic contrast and photostress recovery, according to a study.
The prospective double-masked study included 115 healthy subjects randomized to receive a daily supplement (57 subjects) or placebo (58 subjects); 81 subjects completed the 1-year study.
The supplement contained 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin.
A macular densitometer was used to measure macular pigment, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure serum lutein and zeaxanthin, and a Maxwellian view optical system was used to assess photostress recovery, glare disability and chromatic contrast at baseline and every 3 months for 1 year.
Serum lutein and zeaxanthin levels increased significantly at 3 months and remained elevated for the duration of the study compared with placebo (P < .001), and macular pigment density was increased at all retinal locations.
“Chromatic contrast and photostress recovery time improved significantly versus placebo. Glare disability was correlated with macular pigment density throughout the study period but did not increase significantly in the treated group,” the study authors said.
Disclosure: See the study for a full list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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