Dietary Consumption of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Panama: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BackgroundThe macular pigments of the eye increase with a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which are phytochemicals and important for visual health. ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the dietary consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin in adults working at the Universidad de Panamá (University of Panama), Panama City. MethodThis was a cross-sectional study with 164 subjects including both men and women >18 y of age and employed at the University of Panama, Panama City, Panama. The data collection was carried out between May and September 2017. A semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was applied with 43 foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which included eggs as the only source of animal protein, 23 vegetables, 15 fruits, and 4 foods prepared with corn as an ingredient. ResultsThe mean ± SD age was 45.7 ± 12.7 y (72% women). The mean ± SD and median (IQR) lutein consumption were 2.063 ± 2.334 mg/d and 1.512 (1.385) mg/d, respectively; and for zeaxanthin these were 0.858 ± 0.866 mg/d and 0.550 (0.819) mg/d, respectively. The food products that contributed the most dietary lutein and zeaxanthin were tomatoes, corn tortilla, and egg yolk. ConclusionThe consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin is low among people working at the University of Panama, and this is not associated with sociodemographic variables.