Consumption of either one egg or lutein‐enriched egg per day increases HDL cholesterol, reduces apolipoprotein B while increasing plasma carotenoids and macular pigment density in adult subjects

Abstract

In this study, subjects were assigned to consume either one egg (n =11), one egg substitute (n = 12) or one egg fortified with 600 μg of lutein (n = 11) per day. We measured plasma lipids, LDL subfractions and circulating carotenoids, macular pigment density (MPOD) by use of a densitometer, and hand carotenoids by use of a biophotonic scanner at baseline and after 12 wk. No changes in plasma LDL cholesterol or triglycerides were observed over time. However, both egg groups presented increases in HDL cholesterol compared to baseline (P < 0.01). All subjects had decreases in apolipoprotein B (P < 0.05) associated with a lower number of small LDL particles (P < 0.01). Independent of source, egg intake increased MPOD (P < 0.01) while hand carotenoids did not change over time for any of the groups. Plasma lutein concentrations increased by 9% (P < 0.01) and by 35% (P < 0.001) in the egg and lutein‐enriched egg groups, respectively. In this study we have demonstrated that MPOD increases whether subjects are consuming regular eggs or lutein enriched eggs. However, circulating lutein concentrations were associated with higher intake of this carotenoid, which may increase antioxidant protection in plasma. These studies demonstrate that consuming one egg per day may protect the eye against macular degeneration while increasing HDL cholesterol and favoring the formation of less atherogenic particles. [Supported by the Egg Board]