Association between Dietary Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake and Metabolic Syndrome Among U.S. Females: An Analysis of National Health and Examination Survey 2015–2018

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is higher among U.S. females than males, mainly due to the higher prevalence of dyslipidemia and elevated fasting glucose levels. Lutein (L) and its isomer zeaxanthin (Z) are carotenoids that can alter the composition of lipoprotein, which may affect components of MetS. They also act as potent antioxidants that benefit metabolic health. Dietary intake of L and Z is inversely associated with MetS in U.S. males, however, this association is unclear in females. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary and supplemental intake of L/Z and MetS prevalence among U.S. females. Methods A sample of premenopausal women aged 20–50 years was drawn from NHANES 2015–2018. The diagnostic criteria of MetS was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel. Dietary L/Z intake was calculated from two 24-hour recalls. Supplemental L/Z intake was extracted from two 24-hour dietary supplements use files. Both dietary and supplemental L/Z intakes were divided into four quartiles. The association between MetS and quartile of L/Z intake was assessed using logistic regression analyses while adjusting for race, age, smoking status, and total energy intake. A separate model was run with the addition of supplemental L/Z. Results Among the 630 U.S. females included in these analyses, the prevalence of MetS was 22.84%. Mean dietary L/Z intakes by quartiles 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, were 0.30 mg/d, 0.64 mg/d, 1.16 mg/d, and 4.60 mg/d. When comparing the highest intake quartile to the lowest, women in the highest quartile had significantly lower risk of MetS after adjusting for covariates (OR: 0.38, 95% CI 0.15–0.97). The means of dietary plus supplemental L/Z intake by quartiles 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, were 0.33 mg/d, 0.64 mg/d, 1.21 mg/d, and 4.73 mg/d. No relationship was noted between the sum of dietary and supplemental L/Z intake and the odds of MetS. Conclusions When compared to participants with the lowest intake (quartile) of dietary L/Z, those in the highest quartile had significantly reduced odds of MetS. This relationship was not dose dependent suggesting extreme intakes of greater than 1.7 mg/d were related to a reduced risk. Further intervention studies are warranted to investigate the beneficial effects of dietary L/Z on risk factors of MetS in U.S. females. Funding Sources None.