Lutein in patients with cataracts and age-related macular degeneration: a long-term supplementation study

Lutein, a non-provitamin A xanthophyll, is widely distributed in fruits and vegetables frequently consumed. In human serum, lutein is transported by l ipoproteins and selectively accumulated in certain tissues (eg the retina). Epidemiological studies suggest that high intake and serum levels of lutei n are associated with a lower risk of cataracts and age-related maculopathy . Subjects diagnosed with cataracts (CA; n = 5) or age-related macular dege neration (ARMD; n = 5) agreed to take three lutein capsules per week. Each capsule potentially provided about 12 mg of all-trans-lutein, 3 mg of 13/15 -cis-lutein and 3.3 mg of alpha -tocopherol, as revealed by HPLC. Zeaxanthi n was not detected. Average supplementation time was 13 months (range 4-20 months) for ARMD subjects and 26 months (range 16-36 months) for CA subject s. Blood samples for carotenoid analysis were collected every 3 months, coi nciding with ophthalmological revision. In serum, concentrations of lutein, 13-cis-lutein and two ketocarotenoids increased significantly. Maximum inc rements were observed at 3-6 months, reaching levels above the 95th percent ile of the reference population (>0.44 mu moll(-1)). Ophthalmological evalu ation showed an average increment in visual acuity of 0.4, and glare sensit ivity also improved. No significant side effects such as hypercarotenemia, carotenodermia or changes in biochemical or haematological profile were obs erved. Thus, lutein supplementation at achievable dietary levels increased and maintained serum lutein levels, which were associated with an improveme nt in the visual function of the patients. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Ind ustry.