Abstract
Lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) have been the focus of research and commercial interest for their applications in human health. Research into formulations to enhance their bioavailability is merited. This 6 month randomised placebo-controlled trial involving 81 healthy volunteers compared the bioavailability of different formulations of free L, Z, and MZ in sunflower or omega-3 oil versus L, Z, and MZ diacetates (Ld, Zd, and MZd) in a micromicellar formulation. Fasting serum carotenoids, macular pigment, and skin carotenoid score were analysed at baseline and 6 months. Serum L, Z, and MZ concentrations increased in all active interventions compared to placebo (p < 0.001 to p = 0.008). The diacetate micromicelle formulation exhibited a significantly higher mean response in serum concentrations of Z and MZ compared to the other active interventions (p = 0.002 to 0.019). A micromicellar formulation with solubilised Z and MZ diacetates is a promising technology advancement that enhances the bioavailability of these carotenoids when compared to traditional carotenoid formulations (ISRCTN clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN18206561).
Highlights
Lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) are xanthophyll carotenoids (XC) that singularly deposit in the human macula lutea [1], where they are known as macular pigment (MP).Land Z are obtained solely through dietary intake [2]
We present the findings of the Carotenoid-Omega Availability Study (COAST), which was performed to compare the bioavailability of Ld, Zd and MZd in a micromicelle formulation with performed to compare the bioavailability of Ld, Zd and MZd in a micromicelle formulation with classical formulations containing the free carotenoids as microcrystals suspended in oil
A total of 81 participants were enrolled at baseline with 68 (84%) participants completing final assessment at 6 months; nine (11%) participants were lost to follow-up and four (5%) discontinued the study, one due to pregnancy, two due to minor adverse events, and one due to a general practitioner request (Figure 2)
Summary
Lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) are xanthophyll carotenoids (XC) that singularly deposit in the human macula lutea [1], where they are known as macular pigment (MP).Land Z are obtained solely through dietary intake [2]. MZ has been proposed to be obtained from the endogenous conversion of L in the retinal pigment epithelium [3], but it can be found in trace amounts in diet [4]. Over the last two decades, intervention trials have studied the role of L, Z, and MZ in human health using nutritional supplements [2]. Reports confirmed that these carotenoids enhance visual performance [5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12] and cognitive function [13], and are potential preventive and therapeutic agents in retinal pathology, such as non-advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [14].
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