Percentage Body Fat and Macular Pigment Optical Density

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To investigate the relationship between percentage body fat and macular pigment (MP) optical density. The importance of this analysis rests on the fact that increased body fat represents a risk for progression of age–related maculopathy (ARM), whereas MP is thought to protect against this disease. Methods:Five techniques were used to assess body composition in 100 healthy volunteers, and these included: body mass index (BMI); Dual Energy X–Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA); bioelectric impedance; waist–hip ratio; skin fold measurements (callipers). Results:A significant inverse relationship between percentage body fat, (assessed using the DEXA) and MP optical density was demonstrated (r² = 0.16; p < 0.045). After correcting for age and female gender (putative risk factors for AMD), the significance of this inverse relationship persisted. Conclusions:The results suggest that % body fat may be an independent risk factor for a relative lack of MP, which may be attributable to the preferential uptake of lutein and/or zeaxanthin by fat cells.

Keywords: age–related macular degeneration • macular pigment