Abstract
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of lutein supplementation on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in randomized controlled trials involving patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A comprehensive search of the literature was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Wan Fang database through December 2018. Nine randomized controlled trials involving 920 eyes (855 with AMD) were included. Meta-analysis suggested that lutein supplementation (10 or 20 mg per day) was associated with an increase in MPOD (mean difference (MD) 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 0.10), visual acuity (MD 0.28; 95%CI 0.06 to 0.50) and contrast sensitivity (MD 0.26; 95%CI 0.22 to 0.30). Stratified analyses showed the increase in MPOD to be faster and greater with higher dose and longer treatment. The available evidence suggests that dietary lutein may be beneficial to AMD patients and the higher dose could make MPOD increase in a shorter time.
Highlights
The macula in humans is a yellow pigmented area at the posterior of the eye that allows central vision and provides the most acute visual acuity and best color identification [1]
Lutein may play a role in prevention of age-related eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and age-related cataract [9]
One study showed no significant macular pigment optical density (MPOD) differences between healthy eyes and eyes with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD)[13], the results suggested that low MPOD is related to visual function
Summary
The macula in humans is a yellow pigmented area at the posterior of the eye that allows central vision and provides the most acute visual acuity and best color identification [1]. Lutein is the most abundant carotenoid in the eye and brain [4]; its concentration is higher in the retina than in other tissues, and about 1,000 times higher in the retina than in serum [5]. The concentration of lutein is approximately 2.5 times higher in the macula than in the peripheral retina. Macular pigments (MPs) concentrate in the photoreceptor axons of Henle nerve fiber layer and the rod outer segments [6], where they undergo oxidative attack. These carotenoids have been shown to play a key role in maintaining macular morphology and function [7, 8]. Lutein may play a role in prevention of age-related eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and age-related cataract [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
