Plasma Concentrations of Lutein and Zeaxanthin are increased by Egg Intake during a Carbohydrate Restricted Weight Loss Intervention

Abstract

Twenty eight men (BMI 26‐37 kg/m2) were instructed to consume a carbohydrate restricted diet for 12 wk. Subjects were randomly allocated to consume either 3 eggs (EGG) per day (600 additional μg of lutein + zeaxanthin) or the equivalent of egg substitute (SUB) (0 additional μg of lutein + zeaxanthin). After 12 wk, subjects in the EGG group had higher plasma HDL cholesterol and larger HDL particles compared to those in the SUB group (P < 0.001). Dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin was similar between groups, but subjects in the EGG group had a significant increase in plasma lutein (0.544 ± 0.245 μmol/L at baseline to 0.929 ± 0.420 μ mol/L after 12 wk) compared to the SUB group (0.5269 μ mol/L at baseline to 0.5269 ± 0.348 μmol/L after 12 wk) (P < 0.0001). A significant 46% increase in plasma zeaxanthin (P < 0.025) was observed for the EGG group while there were no changes for the SUB group. There were no differences in dietary intake or plasma concentrations of beta‐carotene, alpha carotene and beta‐cryptoxanthin between groups. However, dietary intake of lycopene (P < 0.05) was reduced between baseline and 12 wk for both groups and these reductions were associated with a significant reduction in plasma lycopene (P < 0.01). These results indicate that self‐selected carbohydrate restricted diets are associated with adequate dietary intake of carotenoids with the exception of a reduced intake of lycopene. These data also suggest that the matrix of the egg makes for a better absorption of lutein and zeaxanthin and that the increased HDL size in the EGG group may contribute to the higher concentration of these carotenoids in circulation [Supported by the American Egg Board].