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Carotenoid supplementation beneficial for MPOD in AMD
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Lutein, zeaxanthin and mesozeaxanthin supplementation improved macular pigment optical density in patients with age-related macular degeneration and healthy controls, according to a meta-analysis involving 20 randomized controlled trials.
Researchers included a total of 938 AMD patients and 826 healthy subjects.
Xanthophyll carotenoids supplementation was associated with a significant increase in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in patients with AMD and healthy controls, they reported.
Researchers found a greater increase in MPOD among trials supplemented and combined with mesozeaxanthin.
Carotenoid supplementation “significantly increased the level of MPOD, and the inclusion of mesozeaxanthin resulted in a greater increase in macular pigment compared to supplements lacking this central carotenoid,” researchers said.
These carotenoids also may offer protection to reduce the lipofuscin accumulation and enhance lysosomal stability and viability, the researchers explained.
The improvements were positively associated with an increase in blood xanthophyll carotenoids level as well.
Researchers concluded that further larger-scale and longer-term randomized controlled trials are necessary to examine the effects of xanthophyll carotenoids on protecting the integrity of the retina and preventing AMD progression. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.
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