Zeaxanthin Intake Research Articles

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Elderberries on Dry Eye Disease (DED) and Immunity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: Dry eye disease (DED) significantly impairs quality of life, affecting physical, social, and psychological well-being, as well as reducing workplace productivity. While lutein and zeaxanthin supplements have been shown to improve ocular health, existing research often overlooks the efficacy of lower dosages and shorter durations of supplementation. This study investigated the effects of combined supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin, and elderberries in 110 voluntary participants through a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Participants took 6 mg of lutein and 1 mg of zeaxanthin, along with 100 mg elderberry extract once daily for a duration of 20 days. Ocular health was assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), while immune status was evaluated with the Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ). Results: Results showed that combined supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the OSDI scores in the intervention group from 38.15 ± 11.14 to 18.26 ± 5.57, reflecting a 52.2% reduction. A similar trend was observed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), indicating significant (p < 0.05) improvement from 5.31 ± 1.62 to 6.73 ± 1.74, equivalent to a 26.7% improvement. Although the intervention group showed a 15.9% improvement in ISQ scores by the study’s end, this was not significantly different from the placebo group, suggesting that higher dosages or longer durations may be needed to observe a meaningful effect. Additionally, findings from the Food Frequency Questionnaire revealed that the average dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin among participants was only 663.49 µg, equating to just 5.5% of the suggested optimal daily intake. This low consumption is concerning, as it is inversely correlated with the risk of ocular diseases. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings support the use of combined supplementation as an adjuvant approach to improving ocular health.

Eggs, Dietary Choline, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Framingham Heart Study

BackgroundEggs are rich in bioactive compounds, including choline and carotenoids that may benefit cardiometabolic outcomes. However, little is known about their relationship with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). ObjectivesWe investigated the association between intakes of eggs and selected egg-rich nutrients (choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and NAFLD risk and changes in liver fat over ∼6 y of follow-up in the Framingham Offspring and Third Generation cohorts. MethodsOn 2 separate occasions (2002–2005 and 2008–2011), liver fat was assessed using a computed tomography scan to estimate the average liver fat attenuation relative to a control phantom to create the liver phantom ratio (LPR). In 2008–2011, cases of incident NAFLD were identified as an LPR ≤0.33 in the absence of heavy alcohol use, after excluding prevalent NAFLD (LPR ≤0.33) in 2002–2005. Food frequency questionnaires were used to estimate egg intakes (classified as <1, 1, and ≥2 per week), dietary choline (adjusted for body weight using the residual method), and the combined intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin. Multivariable modified Poisson regression and general linear models were used to compute incident risk ratios (RR) of NAFLD and adjusted mean annualized liver fat change. ResultsNAFLD cumulative incidence was 19% among a total of 1414 participants. We observed no associations between egg intake or the combined intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin with an incident NAFLD risk or liver fat change. Other diet and cardiometabolic risk factors did not modify the association between egg intake and NAFLD risk. However, dietary choline intakes were inversely associated with NAFLD risk (RR for tertile 3 compared with tertile 1: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.94). ConclusionsAlthough egg intake was not directly associated with NAFLD risk, eggs are a major source of dietary choline, which was strongly inversely associated with NAFLD risk in this community-based cohort.

Dietary Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intakes, Determination and Comparison in Commonly Consumed Australian Foods

Dietary Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intakes, Determination and Comparison in Commonly Consumed Australian Foods

Macular Pigment Assessment in Indian Population Using Degree of Polarization Threshold: Impact of Diet on Macular Pigment Density.

To determine macular pigment (MP) density scores in healthy Indians and examine correlations with demographic and lifestyle variables. We observed 484 Indians without an ocular pathology. Body mass index (BMI) and self-reported lifestyle factors (sunglasses usage, physical activity, and smoking) were noted. MP density was assessed as the threshold of perception of the shadow of their macular pigments on their retina using a new MP assessment tool (MP-eye). Lutein and zeaxanthin intake was assessed using a prevalidated questionnaire regionally designed for the Indian diet. Clusters of participants were created for statistical analysis based on MP-eye scores secondarily to detect any relevant effects in very low, low, medium, and high ranges of MPs. Data analyzed included 235 males and 249 females with mean age of 36.1 ± 12.9 years (range, 14-72). The median MP-eye score was 6 (range, 0-10, with 10 being high). Most were non-smokers (413, 85.3%) and did not use sunglasses (438, 90.5%), and 314 (64.9%) had low physical activity. Diabetes was present in 62 participants (12.8%) and hypertension in 53 (10.9%). Advancing age (r = -0.209; P < 0.000) and BMI (r = -0.094; P = 0.038) had weak negative correlation with MP-eye scores. Hypertension was less prevalent (7/88) in the cluster with the highest median MP-eye score (P = 0.033). Dietary intake of MPs and other lifestyle factors did not correlate significantly with MP-eye score overall or when analyzed in clusters. MP-eye scores of an Indian population were normally distributed. Higher age, high BMI, and presence of hypertension were weakly associated with lower MP-eye scores. The impact of diet on MPs requires further evaluation. This normative regional database enables risk stratification of macular degeneration.

Association between carotenoid intake and periodontitis in diabetic patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary carotenoid intake and periodontitis in diabetic patients. Data on diabetic patients were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014 for this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake of carotenoids was assessed through the first 24-hour dietary recall interview. Full-mouth periodontal examinations were conducted by trained dental examiners. Subgroup analysis was conducted in terms of age, gender, the number of missing teeth, cardiovascular disease, smoking, and anti-diabetic drugs. Totally 1914 diabetic patients were included, with 1281 (66.93%) in the periodontitis group. After adjusting for age, gender, race, education, smoking, dental implants, hepatitis, and the number of missing teeth, α-carotene intake ≥55.82 mcg was associated with lower odds of periodontitis than α-carotene intake <55.82 mcg [OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53-0.91, P = 0.010]; lutein and zeaxanthin intake ≥795.95 mcg was associated with decreased odds of periodontitis than lutein and zeaxanthin intake <795.95 mcg (OR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.57-0.98, P = 0.039). The association between carotenoid intake and periodontitis varied across different subpopulations. In diabetes, dietary intake of α-carotene and lutein and zeaxanthin was inversely associated with the odds of periodontitis, which may facilitate clinical periodontitis management.

Association of Dietary Carotenoids Intakes with Obesity in Adults: NHANES 2007-2018.

Previous studies on the relationship between dietary carotenoids and obesity are few, and the results are inconsistent. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between total carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein+zeaxanthin intakes and the risk of obesity in adults. This cross-sectional study was carried out based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018. The two 24-h dietary recall interviews were used to collect dietary carotenoids data. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline were used to assess the relationships between carotenoids intakes and obesity. A total of 25,868 adults aged 20 and over were enrolled in the present study. In multivariate logistic regression model 2, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of obesity were 0.82 (0.74-0.91), 0.80 (0.72-0.90), 0.77 (0.69-0.87), 0.85 (0.76-0.95), and 0.80 (0.73-0.89) for the highest versus the lowest of total carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein+zeaxanthin intakes, respectively. Dose-response analyses suggested that the carotenoids mentioned above were inversely related to obesity in a nonlinear manner. In multivariate-adjusted model 2, total carotenoids intake were associated with lower risk of Class 1, 2, and 3 obesity. This study indicated that intakes of total carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein+zeaxanthin were inversely associated with the risk of obesity.

Effect of Mediterranean diet and blue light exposition on macular pigment optical density values in a Spanish childhood population

BackgroundMacular pigment in retina is formed by lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids must be ingested. Fruit, vegetables, and eggs are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. In adults, there are many factors that increase macular pigment values, although not enough studies have been performed in children. ObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to analyze macular pigment in children considering healthy habits and exposure to LEDs screens. MethodsA cross-sectional, observational study was conducted, recruiting 27 children aged 7–13 years. Healthy habits, demographic data and exposure to LEDs were analyzed using a questionnaire. To study adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the validated KIDMED questionnaire was used. Macular pigment optical density was measured using Heterochromatic Flicker Photometry, and weight and height were also recorded and expressed by body mass index. ResultsThe mean MPOD value was 0.45 ± 0.14. BMI percentile was studied in the children, with most of them presenting normal weight (55.55 %). Regarding the KIDMED questionnaire, ingesting a fruit or fruit juice every day increases macular pigment optical density (0.47 ± 0.13 vs 0.24 ± 0.07, p = 0.034). No correlation was found for the KIDMED questionnaire score, BMI or age with MPOD value. ConclusionLutein and zeaxanthin intake, as well as healthy habits, increase MPOD value. However, no relation was found for several of the factors evaluated with MPOD value.

Skin Carotenoids Measured by Reflection Spectroscopy Correlate With Dietary Carotenoid Intake in Racially and Ethnically Diverse US Toddlers From Houston, Texas

BackgroundMethods to objectively assess fruit and vegetable (FV) intake in young children are needed in order to support rigorous assessments of policies and interventions. Noninvasive skin carotenoid concentration measurements may provide a rapid assessment of toddler carotenoid and carotenoid-rich FV intake. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pressure-mediated reflection spectroscopy-measured skin carotenoid score (SCS) with proxy-reported carotenoid and FV intake in racially and ethnically diverse US toddlers. DesignThis study was a secondary analysis of data obtained from a randomized controlled 10-week study of the effect of an interactive healthy playgroup intervention vs classroom parent education on the diet and physical activity of toddlers. This study collected skin carotenoid and 1-week dietary intake using a 31-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire analyzed by the Nutrient Data System for Research nutrient database. The current study determined dietary predictors of toddler SCS. Participants/settingParticipants were racially and ethnically diverse US toddlers (12 to 36 months) and adult guardian dyads (n = 50) recruited from the community in Houston, TX from fall 2018 to spring 2019. Main outcome measuresAt baseline and 10 to 12 weeks after baseline, SCS was measured by means of pressure-mediated reflection spectroscopy (Veggie Meter, Longevity Link Corporation), guardians reported toddler diet using a food frequency questionnaire, and carotenoid intake was estimated from the food frequency questionnaire responses using a nutrient database. Statistical analysisThe relationship between toddler SCS and intake of total and individual carotenoid species and FV servings was tested using generalized linear mixed models, controlling for body mass index-for-age percentiles, group assignment, and age. ResultsSCS was positively and significantly predicted by estimated intakes of total carotenoids (P = .002), β-carotene (P ≤ .001), and lutein and zeaxanthin (P = .003). Reported intakes of α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene were not predictors of SCS. SCS was predicted by estimated total FV intake (P = .047) and vegetable intake (P = .006), but not fruit intake (P = .580). ConclusionsThese results showed that reported dietary carotenoid intake is a significant predictor of SCS in an ethnically and racially diverse population of US toddlers. Toddler skin carotenoid measurement holds promise as a rapid, objective, noninvasive biomarker of dietary carotenoid intake.

Lutein and zeaxanthin - radio- and chemoprotective properties. Mechanism and possible use.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally occurring xanthophylls, mainly present in green, leafy vegetables and egg's yolk. Their presence is connected with blue spectrum light absorbance, including UV. This property, and fact, that these xanthophylls are accumulated by human eye's macula, leads to eye's protective functions of them including protection from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, antioxidative features of lutein and zeaxanthin are boosting overall health of human body. Numerous studies proves anti-inflammatory and protective attributes of these compounds, based on many, different mechanisms. One of them is regulating redox potential in cells, and impact on expression of linked genes. In preventing of eye diseases, an important gene that is regulated by lutein and zeaxanthin is the Nrf2 gene, whose increased activity leads to optimizing the cellular response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preventing related diseases. Other research confirms antiproliferative properties of mentioned compounds in case of certain human cancer cell lines. There are e.g.: HepG2 (hepatitis cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), which treated in vitro with lutein solution showed reduction of cell growth. Lutein alone, during in vivo studies conducted on mice, exhibited also radioprotective properties, positively affecting the vitality of animals. Lutein provides also increasing of tolerance to UV radiation, reducing inflammatory processes in the skin and preventing oncogenesis. Low intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, associated with "western diet", rich in simple carbohydrates and processed food, common in developed countries, including Poland, is linked with diabetes and obesity incidence. Assuming, lutein and zeaxanthin significantly affect the well-being of the human body, and their appropriate amount in diet can help reduce risk of many diseases. For supplementation, the optimized dosage of these xanthophylls includes doses of 10 mg for lutein and 2 mg for zeaxanthin, and it is recommended to consume along with fats or meals rich in fats.

Macular Pigment Optical Density and Skin Carotenoids in a Childhood Sample

BackgroundCarotenoids are plant pigments with light filtering and antioxidant properties that deposit in human tissues, including retina and skin. Descriptive characteristics and covariates of carotenoid status in macula and skin have been examined in adults; however, similar studies in children are limited. Thus, this study aimed to delineate how factors of age, sex, race, weight status, and dietary carotenoid intake relate to macular and skin carotenoids in children. MethodsChildren (7–13 y, N = 375) completed heterochromatic flicker photometry to assess macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Participants underwent anthropometrics to measure weight status (BMI percentile [BMI%]), and parent/guardian provided demographic information. Subsample data were available for skin carotenoids (N = 181), assessed using reflection spectroscopy, and dietary carotenoids (N = 101) using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Relationships between skin and macular carotenoids were assessed using partial Pearson’s correlations controlling for age, sex, race, and BMI%. Relationships between dietary carotenoids and macular and skin carotenoids were assessed using stepwise linear regression including age, sex, race, and BMI% in the model. ResultsMean MPOD was 0.56 ± 0.22 and skin carotenoid score was 282 ± 94.6. There was no significant correlation between MPOD and skin carotenoids (r = 0.02, P = 0.76). BMI% was negatively associated with skin (stdβ = −0.42, P < 0.001), but not macular carotenoids (stdβ = −0.04, P = 0.70). Neither MPOD nor skin carotenoids were associated with age, sex, or race (all P > 0.10). MPOD was positively associated with energy-adjusted reported lutein + zeaxanthin intake (stdβ = 0.27, P = 0.01). Skin carotenoids were positively associated with energy-adjusted reported carotenoid intake (stdβ = 0.26, P = 0.01). ConclusionsThe mean MPOD values in children were higher than what has been reported in adult populations. Previous studies in adult samples report an average MPOD of 0.21. Although macular and skin carotenoids were not related, they were associated with dietary carotenoids relevant to the respective tissues; however, skin carotenoids may be more susceptible negative influence from higher weight status.

Phytochemical consumption and the risk of teratozoospermia: findings from a hospital-based case-control study in China.

Are dietary phytochemicals associated with the risk of teratozoospermia? Dietary intake of carotene, including total carotene, α-carotene, β-carotene as well as retinol equivalent, and lutein + zeaxanthin, were inversely correlated with the risk of teratozoospermia. Phytochemicals are natural plant derived bioactive compounds, which have been reported to be potentially associated with male reproductive health. To date, no study has investigated the association between phytochemical intake and the risk of teratozoospermia. This hospital-based case-control study, which included 146 newly diagnosed teratozoospermia cases and 581 controls with normozoospermia from infertile couples, was conducted in a hospital-based infertility clinic in China, from June 2020 to December 2020. Dietary information was collected using a validated semi-quantitative 110-item food frequency questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression was applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between phytochemical (i.e. phytosterol, carotene, flavonoid, isoflavone, anthocyanidin, lutein + zeaxanthin, and resveratrol) intake and the risk of teratozoospermia. We observed a decreased risk of teratozoospermia for the highest compared with the lowest tertile consumption of total carotene (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.21-0.77), α-carotene (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.30-0.93), β-carotene (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.25-0.88), retinol equivalent (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24-0.90), and lutein + zeaxanthin (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19-0.66), with all of the associations showing evident linear trends (all P trend <0.05). In addition, significant dose-response associations were observed between campestanol and α-carotene consumption and the risk of teratozoospermia. Moreover, there was a significant multiplicative interaction between BMI and lutein + zeaxanthin intake (P interaction <0.05). The cases and controls were not a random sample of the entire target population, which could lead to admission rate bias. Nevertheless, the controls were enrolled from the same infertility clinic, which could reduce the bias caused by selection and increase the comparability. Furthermore, our study only included a Chinese population, therefore caution is required regarding generalization of our findings to other populations. Dietary phytochemicals, namely carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, might exert a positive effect on teratozoospermia. These phytochemicals are common in the daily diet and dietary supplements, and thus may provide a preventive intervention for teratozoospermia. This study was funded by Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province (No. 2022-MS-219 to X.B.W.), Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital (No. M1150 to Q.J.W.), Clinical Research Cultivation Project of Shengjing Hospital (No. M0071 to B.C.P.), and JieBangGuaShuai Project of Liaoning Province (No. 2021JH1/1040050 to Y.H.Z.). All authors declared that there was no conflict of interest. N/A.

Abstract 6447: Carotenoid and tocopherol intake in relation to pancreatic cancer risk in a population-based case-control study

Abstract Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. and has a 5-year relative survival rate of only 11.5%. The etiology of pancreatic cancer is not well understood, with cigarette smoking, type 2 diabetes, and chronic pancreatitis as the only well-established risk factors. Therefore, it is critical to identify modifiable risk factors for primary prevention. Persistent oxidative stress and resultant oxidative damage can lead to accumulated mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and subsequent carcinogenesis of the pancreas. Carotenoids are abundant in fruits and vegetables, while tocopherols are rich in oilseeds and nuts. Both carotenoids and tocopherols have antioxidant functions. Thus, it is possible that high intake of these bioactive compounds can reduce risk of pancreatic cancer. The present study sought to investigate this question in a case-control study conducted during 1994-1998 in Minnesota. Cases (n=150), aged 20 years or older, were ascertained from all hospitals in the metropolitan area of the Twin Cities and the Mayo Clinic; from the latter, only cases residing in the Upper Midwest of the US were recruited. Controls (n=459) were randomly selected from the general population and frequency matched to cases by age (within 5 years) and sex. Intake of carotenoids and tocopherols from diet and supplements was estimated from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. As lutein and zeaxanthin are isomers that have identical chemical formulas, they are combined into a single variable in the analysis. All dietary variables were adjusted for energy intake with the residual method prior to data analysis. After adjustment for age, sex, race, education, physical activity, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption, intake of lutein and zeaxanthin was associated with a significantly reduced risk of pancreatic cancer [OR (95% CI) for quartile 4 (median: 4972 µg/day) vs. quartile 1 (median: 976 µg/day): 0.39 (0.19-0.79); p-trend: 0.06]. This inverse association became slightly weaker but remained statistically significant after additional adjustment for intake of energy, fat, and fiber. No significant associations were observed for intake of α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol, although a higher intake of all these nutrients except α-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol tended to confer a lower risk. Our study shows that there is a significant, beneficial effect of lutein and zeaxanthin intake on pancreatic cancer risk, although it may be a chance finding due to multiple comparisons. More epidemiologic studies are warranted to further elucidate the roles of carotenoids and tocopherols in the etiology and prevention of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Bronson Dokmanovich, Hao fan, Yunpeng Yu, Kristin Anderson, Jianjun Zhang. Carotenoid and tocopherol intake in relation to pancreatic cancer risk in a population-based case-control study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6447.

Early Childhood Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intake Is Positively Associated with Early Childhood Receptive Vocabulary and Mid-Childhood Executive Function But No Other Cognitive or Behavioral Outcomes in Project Viva

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids associated with better cognition in older adults. Recent evidence suggests that their dietary intake may also have cognitive implications in childhood. The aim was to examine associations of early childhood lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z) intake with cognition in early and mid-childhood. Among 1378 children in Project Viva, a prospective cohort, mothers reported their child's dietary intake in early childhood (median: 3.2 y) using a food-frequency questionnaire. Child cognition and behavior were assessed at the same time point using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-III) and the Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities (WRAVMA) and at mid-childhood (median: 7.7 y) using the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, the WRAVMA drawing subtest, the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Children consumed a daily mean (SD) of 1.0 (0.4) mg L/Z in early childhood. Children in the third-quartile category of L/Z intake had a mean PPVT-III score 2.40 (95% CI: 0.27, 4.53) points higher than children in the lowest quartile category in early childhood, suggesting better receptive vocabulary. Children in the highest quartile category of L/Z intake had a parent-reported mean BRIEF Global Executive Composite score 1.65 (95% CI: -3.27, -0.03) points lower than children in the lowest quartile category in mid-childhood, indicating better executive function. We did not observe associations between L/Z intake and any of the other cognitive or behavioral outcomes assessed. The overall findings do not provide strong evidence of an association between child L/Z intake and cognition and behavior. However, the positive associations found between early childhood L/Z intake and early childhood receptive vocabulary and mid-childhood executive function, in addition to previous evidence of neurodevelopmental benefit of L/Z intake, suggest that this relation deserves further investigation.

Intake of eggs, choline, lutein, zeaxanthin, and DHA during pregnancy and their relationship to fetal neurodevelopment

ABSTRACT Background Maternal intake of eggs and nutrients contained within eggs during pregnancy have the potential to impact fetal neurodevelopment; however, this area is understudied. The purpose of this study was to determine whether maternal egg and choline intake and nutrient interactions between choline, lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z), and DHA predict fetal neurodevelopment in a large cohort of pregnant women (n = 202). NCT02709239 Methods Food frequency questionnaires were used to assess egg and nutrient intake during pregnancy. Fetal neurodevelopment was measured using fetal biomagnetometry at 32 and 36wks gestation, and fetal autonomic indices (SDNN, RMSSD) and brain maturation indices (fABAS) were calculated. Generalized linear models tested the relationships between choline intake, egg intake, and nutrient interactions with fetal neurodevelopment. Results Maternal egg intake predicted RMSSD at 32wks and fABAS at 36wks. The interaction between choline and L/Z intake predicted fABAS at 32wks and 36wks and the interaction between choline intake, L/Z intake, and DHA predicted fABAS at 36wks. At 36wks, SDNN was predicted by L/Z intake and interactions between choline and L/Z, L/Z and DHA, and choline, L/Z, and DHA. Conclusion Eggs and the nutrients contained within eggs showed synergistic associations with fetal neurodevelopment, and consumption should be encouraged among pregnant women.

Increased Breastfeeding Proportion Is Associated with Improved Gross Motor Skills at 3-5 Years of Age: A Pilot Study.

Breastmilk provides key nutrients and bio-active factors that contribute to infant neurodevelopment. Optimizing maternal nutrition could provide further benefit to psychomotor outcomes. Our observational cohort pilot study aims to determine if breastfeeding extent and breastmilk nutrients correlate with psychomotor outcomes at school age. The breastfeeding proportion at 3 months of age and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3–5 years of age were recorded for 33 typically developing newborns born after uncomplicated pregnancies. The association between categorical breastfeeding proportion and neurodevelopmental outcome scores was determined for the cohort using a Spearman correlation with and without the inclusion of parental factors. Vitamin E and carotenoid levels were determined in breastmilk samples from 14 of the mothers. After the inclusion of parental education and income as covariates, motor skill scores positively correlated with breastmilk contents of α-tocopherol (Spearman coefficient 0.88, p-value = 0.02), translutein (0.98, p-value = 0.0007), total lutein (0.92, p-value = 0.01), and zeaxanthin (0.93, p-value = 0.0068). Problem solving skills negatively correlated with the levels of the RSR enantiomer of α-tocopherol (−0.86, p-value = 0.03). Overall, higher exposure to breastfeeding was associated with improved gross motor and problem-solving skills at 3–5 years of age. The potential of α-tocopherol, lutein, and zeaxanthin intake to provide neurodevelopmental benefit is worthy of further investigation.

Dietary carotenoid intake and risk of developing preeclampsia: a hospital-based case–control study

BackgroundThe effect of carotenoids on the risk of preeclampsia (PE) is uncertain. We aimed to examine the associations between the intake of dietary carotenoids and related compounds by pregnant women in China, and the risk of their developing PE.MethodsFour hundred and forty PE cases and 440 age- (± 3 years), gestational age- (± 1 weeks) and gestational diabetes mellitus status- (yes/no) matched healthy controls were recruited from March 2016 to June 2019. Dietary intake of carotenoids was assessed using a 79-item validated food-frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, we found that the intake of total carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein and zeaxanthin (lut-zea) were negatively associated with the odds of developing PE. Compared with the lowest quartile intake, the multivariate-adjusted OR (95% CI) of the highest quartile intake was 0.29 (0.16–0.54, Ptrend < 0.001) for total carotenoids, 0.31 (0.16–0.58, Ptrend < 0.001) for β-carotene, 0.50 (0.27–0.90, Ptrend = 0.007) for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.55 (0.30–0.99, Ptrend = 0.04) for lycopene and 0.32 (0.17–0.61, Ptrend = 0.001) for lut-zea. However, no significant associations were observed between the risk of developing PE and α-carotene intake (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.41–1.36, Ptrend = 0.28). Moreover, similar negative associations were found for every one-standard-deviation increase in the intake of total carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lut-zea.ConclusionThese results indicate that a high intake of total carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lut-zea may be associated with a low risk of developing PE.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intake during Pregnancy and Visual Function in Offspring at 11-12 Years of Age.

(1) Background: Lutein and zeaxanthin (L&Z) are essential dietary nutrients that are a crucial component of the human macula, contributing to visual functioning. They easily cross the placental barrier, so that retinal deposition commences during foetal development. This study aims to assess associations between maternal L&Z intake during pregnancy and offspring visual function at 11–12 years. (2) Methods: Using the Spanish INfancia y Medio Ambiente project (INMA) Sabadell birth cohort, 431 mother–child pairs were analysed. L&Z data were obtained from food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) at week 12 and 32 of pregnancy, alongside other nutritional and sociodemographic covariates. Contrast vision (CS) and visual acuity (VA) were assessed using the automated Freiburg Acuity and Contrast Testing (FRACT) battery. Low CS and VA were defined as being below the 20th cohort centile. Associations were explored using multiple logistic regression. (3) Results: After controlling for potential confounders, L&Z intake during the 1st and 3rd trimester did not reveal any statistically significant association with either CS or VA in offspring at age 11/12 years. (4) Conclusions: No evidence of a long-term association between L&Z intake during pregnancy and visual function in offspring was found. Further larger long-term studies including blood L&Z levels are required to confirm this result.

Identification of Carotenoids in Hairless Canary Seed and the Effect of Baking on Their Composition in Bread and Muffin Products.

Carotenoids are essential components in the human diet due to their positive functions in ocular and cognitive health. This study investigated composition of carotenoids in hairless canary seed (HCS) as a novel food and the effect of baking on carotenoids in bread and muffin made from HCS, wheat and corn. Three bread formulations made from wheat and HCS blends were evaluated and compared with control wheat bread. In addition, three low-fat muffin recipes prepared from HCS alone or in blends with corn were assessed. The fate of carotenoid compounds in breads and muffins was monitored after dry mixing, dough/batter formation and oven baking. Carotenoids in products were quantified using UPLC and their identification was confirmed based on LC-MS/MS. Hairless canary seed and corn were fairly rich in carotenoids with a total content of 7.6 and 12.9 µg/g, respectively, compared with wheat (1.3 µg/g). Nineteen carotenoid compounds were identified, with all-trans lutein being the principal carotenoid in HCS followed by lutein 3-O-linoleate, lutein 3-O-oleate and lutein di-linoleate. There were significant reductions in carotenoids in muffin and bread products. It appears that batter or dough preparation causes more reductions in carotenoids than oven baking, probably due to enzymatic oxidation and degradation. Muffin-making resulted in lower lutein reductions compared with the bread-making process. The results suggest that muffins made from hairless canary seed alone or in blends with corn could boost the daily intake of lutein and/or zeaxanthin.

Dietary carotenoid intake and osteoporosis: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2018.

To examine the associations of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin intake with the risk of osteoporosis based on the cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2005-2018. This study identified individuals ≥ 50years old with valid and complete data on carotenoid intake and bone mineral density (BMD). Intake of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin was averaged from two 24-h recall interviews. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and converted to T-scores; osteoporosis was defined as a T-score ≤ - 2.5. We used logistic regression models to test the associations between carotenoids and osteoporosis, adjusting for factors such as age, sex, race, and education. Participants were on average 61.9years of age, with 57.5% identifying as females. Higher quintiles of β-carotene (odds ratio [OR] for quintile 5 vs. 1:0.33; 95% CI: 0.19-0.59; P for trend = 0.010) and β-cryptoxanthin intake (OR for quintile 5 vs. 1:0.61; 95% CI: 0.39-0.97; P for trend = 0.037) were associated with reduced risk of osteoporosis. Similar and marginally significant results for lutein + zeaxanthin intake was found (OR for quintile 5 vs. 1:0.53; 95% CI: 0.30-0.94; P for trend = 0.076). There was no association of α-carotene and lycopene intake with osteoporosis. These associations did not differ by sex (all P_interaction > 0.05). Higher β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin intake was associated with decreased osteoporosis risk. A very high intake of lutein + zeaxanthin was also associated with lower risk of osteoporosis.

Zeaxanthin Drives Dynamic Changes in the Mouse Metabolome Through Gut Microbiome Shift

ObjectivesZeaxanthin, an oxygenized carotenoid, exerts antioxidant properties in human nutrition and metabolism. Likely other carotenoids, zeaxanthin is poorly absorbed in the small intestine. The large portion of zeaxanthin reaches the colon and is not fully recovered in the colon. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of zeaxanthin intake with the gut microbiome homeostasis and metabolomic responses in mice. MethodsSix-week-old male and female C57BL/6J wild type (WT), beta-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2) knockout mice were fed with AIN93M chow diets supplemented with or without zeaxanthin (0.02% w/w) for 10 weeks. At the termination of the study, mice were fasted for 3 hrs prior to euthanization. Cecal contents, colon, serum, feces, and other tissues were collected for laboratory assessments.16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS were performed for gut microbiota profiling and serum and fecal metabolomics analysis, respectively. ResultsSignificant zeaxanthin accumulation occurred in BCO2 KO, but not WT mice. Zeaxanthin accumulation was associated with the alteration of colonic gut microbiota composition, for example, zeaxanthin-increased abundance in Lachnospiraceae, Proteobacteria, and Parabacteroides, indicating enhanced short-chain production, improved intestinal integrity, and anaerobic bacterial colonization. The results of fecal and serum metabolomics revealed that zeaxanthin significantly altered tyrosine metabolism, branched-chain fatty acid oxidation, fatty acid biosynthesis, and phospholipid biosynthesis, and suppressed levels of kynurenine and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). ConclusionsThe results suggested that zeaxanthin accumulation promotes gut microbiome homeostasis and alters the gut microbial metabolites as signals in stimulating the host-gut microbe interplay. Funding SourcesUSDA/NIFA 2021-67018-34023 and 2020-67017-30842.