Eye and Carotenoid Augmentation Research and Evaluation (EyeCARE)

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids or plant-based pigments that accumulate in various human tissues including the eye, skin, adipose/fat, and the brain where they play important roles as antioxidants and light filters. Previous correlational work has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin intake is associated with multiple markers of health including visual and cognitive outcomes. However, experimental or intervention research examining the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on the accumulation of these carotenoids in the eye and skin and implications for visual and cognitive function is still emerging. Additionally, virtually all the previous research has relied on single nutrient supplementation (e.g., only lutein or zeaxanthin) resulting in limited knowledge of the benefits of providing these carotenoids with other possibly healthful nutrients (e.g., astaxanthin, vitamin E). Accordingly, this project will test the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation provided in a complex with other antioxidants and nutrients on outcomes of nutritional status in the eye and skin as well as visual and cognitive health. The study aims will be addressed using a double-blind randomized controlled trial design. Adults 20-45 years of age will be asked to participate in a daily 4-month double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Treatment group (N=20) participants will be asked to consume 2 daily softgels with a daily total containing 20mg free lutein (10mg/softgel), 4 mg free zeaxanthin (2mg/softgel), 40mg maqui berry extract (20mg/softgel), 6 mg astaxanthin (3 mg/softgel), 80mg bilberry extract (40mg/softgel), flaxseed oil (150mg/softgel), and vitamin E (5IU/softgel). Participants will be asked to consume the supplements with a meal of their choosing. Control group participants will be asked to consume similar-looking placebo softgels over the same period.

Inclusion criteria

• not pregnant
• not breastfeeding
• absence of hypertension
• absence of diabetes
• absence of cerebrovascular disease
• absence of cardiovascular disease
• absence of liver disease
• absence of kidney disease
• absence of gastrointestinal disease
• absence of age-related macular degeneration
• no allergy to carotenoids
• 20/20 or corrected vision
• MPOD less than or equal to 0.60
• Age between 20-45 years

Exclusion criteria

• pregnant
• breastfeeding
• presence of hypertension
• presence of diabetes
• presence of cerebrovascular disease
• presence of cardiovascular disease
• presence of liver disease
• presence of kidney disease
• presence of gastrointestinal disease
• presence of age-related macular degeneration
• allergy to carotenoids
• not 20/20 or uncorrected vision
• MPOD greater than 0.60
• Younger than 20 years or older than 45 years