Purpose
To investigate the effect of short term (22 days) ocular supplementation on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) of using a nutraceutical containing lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), vitamins and minerals (Nutrof® Total).
Methods
Ten volunteers aged 50+ (range 51-70, average age 63.2), without diabetes or ocular pathologies that could interfere with measurement of MPOD were recruited from a community optometry practice in the UK. At baseline, the subject’s MPOD was measured, in the right eye where possible, by heterochromatic flicker photometry using the Macular Pigment Screener 9000. Subjects also completed a two day food recall diary. Participants were supplied with Nutrof® Total, a once daily supplement containing; 60mg vitamin C, 10mg vitamin E, 10mg zinc, 500µg copper, 25µg selenium, 330mg fish oil (132mg EPA, 66mg DHA, ≤16.5mg DPA), 10mg lutein, 2mg zeaxanthin and 1mg resveratrol. Participants returned on average 22 days later at which point their MPOD was measured again. This is part of a longer study in which patient numbers will increase to 40 and MPOD measurements and food diaries will be repeated at 3 and 6 months to ascertain longer term effects.
Results
Results taken at baseline were compared to those taken on average 22 days later using a paired t test, and found to be non-significant (p=0.393).
Conclusions
These preliminary results from an ongoing trial suggest that taking Nutrof® Total for 22 days has no detectable effect upon MPOD. This information is important for optometrists, indicating that short term supplementation is unlikely to be beneficial, those wishing to see a change in MPOD score may need to assess patients after a longer supplementation period.
Keywords: 412 age-related macular degeneration •
587 macular pigment •
618 nutritional factors