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Lutein Supplementation Increases Serum Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Humans
Author(s) -
Stringham Nicole Tressa,
Holmes Philip V,
Stringham James M
Publication year - 2016
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.30.1_supplement.689.3
Subject(s) - lutein , brain derived neurotrophic factor , neurotrophic factors , neurotrophin , medicine , neuroscience , endocrinology , chemistry , food science , biology , carotenoid , receptor
The dietary carotenoid lutein (L) has neuroprotective and visual performance benefits once deposited in relatively high concentrations in retinal tissues. The concentration of retinal L (macular pigment optical density [MPOD]) is significantly correlated with L concentrations in the brain. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that is particularly active in hippocampus, cortex, and basal forebrain – areas that are involved in learning, memory, and higher cognitive processes. BDNF promotes synaptic plasticity, and is generally increased following healthy behaviors (e.g. physical exercise), and decreased during times of psychological stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for L, via daily supplementation, to modify serum BDNF. Additionally, MPOD was measured and compared to serum BDNF. Fifty‐six young (aged 18–25 years), healthy subjects participated in this 6‐month L supplementation trial. Subjects ingested daily either 10 mg L (n = 21), 20‐mg L (n = 21), or a placebo (n = 14). Serum BDNF and MPOD were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Serum BDNF concentration was determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA); MPOD was measured via heterochromatic flicker photometry. BDNF in L‐supplemented subjects (n = 42) was found to significantly increase over the 6‐month study period (t = −2.34; p = 0.0243), whereas the placebo group did not change (t = 0.1613; p = 0.874). The relationship between MPOD and BDNF at baseline exhibited a positive correlation trend, but was not significant (r = 0.202; p = 0.25). After 6 months of L supplementation, however, an analysis of the change in MPOD versus the change in BDNF produced a significant positive correlation (r = 0.546; p < 0.001). This indicates that favorable response to L supplementation in the retina (and presumably the brain) leads to proportional increases in systemic levels of BDNF. Because neuroinflammation reduces BDNF levels, the anti‐inflammatory capability of L is a plausible mechanism for this effect. Support or Funding Information This work was funded by Omniactive Health Technologies, Inc.Significant increase in serum BDNF after 6 months of lutein supplementation.Placebo subjects exhibit no change in serum BDNF over 6 months.