An investigation of the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress and age–related macular degeneration risk
- Project start date: 1 October 2003
- Project status: Completed
- Project type: Nutrition
- Discipline: Nutrition surveillance
- Author/s: Dr Jayne Woodside, Queen’s University Belfast
- Collaborator/s: Single supplier
Research objective
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in industrialised countries. This project aimed to assess whether the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, in comparison to beta-carotene, exert effects on inflammatory markers and oxidative stress that may influence AMD development.
A randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study in which smokers and non-smokers receive dietary supplements of lutein and zeaxanthin was carried out and various indicators of inflammatory status were monitored over a two-month period. A further study examined delivery of these carotenoids using food supplements (carrot juice for carotene and dried spinach powder for lutein and zeaxanthin).
Outputs
Research report
Other outputs
Peer reviewed article
Graydon R, Hogg RE, Chakravarthy U, Young IS, Woodside JV. The effect of lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods v. supplements on macular pigment level and serological markers of endothelial activation, inflammation and oxidation: pilot studies in healthy volunteers. British Journal of Nutrition. 2012;108(2):334-342. doi:10.1017/S0007114511005599
