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Early Life Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) and Dietary Intake of Nutrients Related to Macular Health
Author(s) -
Guerra Genesis G.,
Parent Jennifer M.,
Trujillo Elisabet,
Jackson Donnelle K.,
Gaitán Adriana V.,
Carabante Kennet M.,
LammiKeefe Carol J.
Publication year - 2017
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.31.1_supplement.971.16
Subject(s) - zeaxanthin , lutein , medicine , macular degeneration , nutrient , nutrient density , body mass index , food science , ophthalmology , carotenoid , biology , ecology
Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial progressive disease and is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. Among factors related to development of AMD are gender (females>males), eye color (blue>dark), body mass index (BMI; high>low), and low macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a measure of the density of the macular. The current study aimed to assess dietary intake of nutrients recognized as important in macular health and their relationship to MPOD, with a focus on dietary lutein + zeaxanthin (L+Z) and DHA+EPA (22:6n‐3, 20:5n‐3), dietary nutrients known to impact MPOD. College‐aged students [age range 18–28 years; n=440, 276 females (F) and 164 males (M)] were recruited to participate. Dietary intake was obtained through a 24‐hour dietary recall using NDSR 2016. A health history form was used to collect demographic information and frequency of consumption of specific foods. MPOD of subjects was measured using a macular metrics densitometer. Data were analyzed with SAS 9.4 using ANOVA and linear regression. There was a significantly higher MPOD (p=0.037) for M compared to F. Males had higher dietary intake of DHA+EPA (p=0.008) and L+Z (p=0.033) than F. Fifty‐five percent (n=90) of M and 42% (n=115) of F consumed seafood rich in DHA+EPA, e.g. salmon and trout. The DHA+EPA recommendation by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 (250 mg/day) was fulfilled by 20% (n= 33) of M and 8% (n=22) of F. Seventy‐six percent (n=25) of Asian subjects consumed seafood rich in DHA+EPA while on average 46% of White, Black and Hispanics did. There were no differences between BMI groups (normal, overweight, obese) regarding MPOD (p=0.064) and dietary consumption of DHA+EPA (p=0.968) and L+Z (p=0.099) in the student population. The relationship of dietary DHA+EPA and MPOD in this population approached significance (p=0.051) and warrants further exploration. This work points to a need for early nutrition education to increase the consumption of foods high in the nutrients that are known to promote macular health. Support or Funding Information Supported in part by Louisiana State University and Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.