Effects of Antioxidants on Human Macular Pigments

Eye Health Clinical Trial

Official title: Effects of Antioxidants on Human Macular Pigments

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. Low dietary intake or low blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are the only pigments found in the macular region of the human retina, has been associated with an increased risk for AMD. We have reported that the dietary supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin can increase the macular pigments (MP) of the eye. MP effectively absorbs blue light as well as quenches reactive oxygen species (ROS). Green tea polyphenols are also effective scavenger of ROS in vitro.

Our goal is to elucidate how to effectively increase MP by physiologic levels of antioxidant supplementation. We hypothesize that lutein and tea polyphenols protect the macula of the eye by increasing MP carotenoids effectively through an antioxidant mechanism.

Clinical Trial Description

n/a

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Basic Science

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Eye Health

• NCT number: NCT00718653
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: National Eye Institute (NEI)
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: September 2004
• Completion date: December 2007