The Impact of Macular Pigment Augmentation on Visual Performance Using Different Carotenoid Formulations

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual performance following supplementation with different macular carotenoid formulations. METHODS: Thirty-six subjects (19 male, 17 female; mean SD, age 51 13 years) were recruited into this single-masked placebo-controlled study, and were randomly assigned to one of the following three intervention (supplementation) groups: (1) group 1 (20 mg lutein L and 2 mg zeaxanthin Z); (2) group 2 (10 mg L, 2 mg Z, and 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin MZ); and group 3 (placebo). Outcomes measures included visual performance and MPOD response. Data were collected at baseline, at 3 months, and at 6 months. RESULTS: At 3 and 6 months, a statistically significant increase in MPOD was found at all eccentricities (other than the most peripheral 3° location) in group 2 (P 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that supplementation with all three macular carotenoids potentially offered advantages over preparations lacking MZ, both in terms of MPOD response and visual performance enhancement.