Macular Pigment and Percentage of Body Fat
Nolan JM, Loskutova E, Howard AN, Moran R, Mulcahy R, Stack J, Bolger M, Coen RF, Dennison J, Akuffo KO, Owens N, Power R, Thurnham D, Beatty S
Published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
Abstract
Cross-sectional study demonstrating inverse relationship between macular pigment optical density and body fat percentage. Higher body fat associated with lower lutein/zeaxanthin levels in macula. Suggests obesity may increase AMD risk through carotenoid depletion. Supplementation of 20mg lutein daily significantly increased macular pigment even in overweight individuals over 6 months.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study relating macular pigment optical density to percentage body fat and serum carotenoid concentrations in healthy adults, with supplementation data on macular pigment response.
Key Findings
Macular pigment optical density was inversely related to percentage body fat, consistent with sequestration of lutein and zeaxanthin in adipose tissue reducing retinal availability. Supplementation raised macular pigment even in participants with higher body fat, though response varied.
Conclusions
Higher adiposity is associated with lower macular pigment, which may contribute to age-related macular degeneration risk; body composition should be considered when interpreting carotenoid status.
Limitations
Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation, single cohort of limited size and ethnic diversity, and macular pigment optical density is a surrogate for retinal health rather than a clinical outcome.
Supplements Studied
Macular pigment optical density was inversely related to percentage body fat, consistent with sequestration of lutein and zeaxanthin in adipose tissue reducing retinal availability. Supplementation raised macular pigment even in participants with higher body fat, though response varied.
Macular pigment optical density was inversely related to percentage body fat, consistent with sequestration of lutein and zeaxanthin in adipose tissue reducing retinal availability. Supplementation raised macular pigment even in participants with higher body fat, though response varied.
Study Details
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