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The effect of consuming pistachios on the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z)
Author(s) -
Radcliffe John,
DiMarco Nancy,
Imrhan Victorine,
Grubesic Ruth,
Hernandez Ladia
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.1097.1
Subject(s) - zeaxanthin , lutein , medicine , carotenoid , macular degeneration , zoology , endocrinology , biology , food science , ophthalmology
HDLs play a key role in the transport of L/Z into the retina. Retinal L/Z, which reflects serum L/Z concentration, may protect against age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Pistachios are a dietary source of L/Z, and consumption of these nuts may beneficially affect L/Z status. The effect of consumption of pistachios (68 g per day) on HDL‐L/Z was investigated in a 6‐wk feeding study with healthy adult volunteers (17 female, 13 male; mean age 38 yr) randomized into a control (n = 14) and an intervention group (n = 16). Both groups consumed their usual diets for the first two weeks of the study; for the next 4 weeks, the control group consumed their usual diets, and the intervention group was given pistachios to incorporate into their diets. HDL‐L/Z decreased by 4% for the control group but increased 52% for the intervention group; similar changes were noted for the TC‐L/Z (−1% for the control group and +53% for the intervention group). Thus, consumption of pistachios may be useful in protecting against AMD, the leading cause of blindness in adults over 65 years of age in the U.S. Funding: TWU Human Nutrition Fund; Texas Dept. of Agriculture