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Effect of lutein supplementation on macular pigment optical density in patients with AMD
Author(s) -
KAYA S,
WEIGERT G,
PEMP B,
SACU S,
GARHOFER G,
SCHMIDTERFURTH U,
SCHMETTERER L
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2010.3214.x
Subject(s) - lutein , zeaxanthin , macular degeneration , medicine , placebo , optical density , randomization , ophthalmology , randomized controlled trial , clinical trial , placebo group , carotenoid , food science , biology , alternative medicine , pathology
Purpose Reduced macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and reduced lutein/zeaxanthin intake have been shown to be associated with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). As such supplementation with lutein has been suggested as a therapeutic option in AMD. In the present study we hypothesized that lutein supplementation may improve MPOD in AMD patients. Methods This hypothesis was tested in a randomized, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled parallel group study in patients with AMD with a 6 months study period. The randomization of lutein (20mg daily months 1‐3, 10 mg daily months 4‐6) versus placebo was 2:1. 126 patients with nonexudative AMD were included in this trial. Study visits were scheduled at baseline and 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after start of lutein or placebo intake. MPOD was measured with a custom built optical reflectometer based on a model of light propagation in the human retina. Statistical analysis was assessed using a repeated measures ANOVA model. Results 104 patients finished the study as scheduled. Eight patients only showed up for the baseline visit and were not included in the analysis. In the remaining 14 patients who did not finish the trial the last observation was carried forward. Supplementation with lutein induced a highly significant increase in MOPD (p < 0.001 versus placebo). In the lutein group MPOD was 0.35 ± 0.02 at baseline and 0.43 ± 0.02 after 6 months of supplementation. Conclusion These data indicate that supplementation with lutein improves MPOD in AMD patients. Given that reduced MPOD is a risk factor for AMD these data suggest that supplementation with lutein is beneficial in AMD.