Feasibility Study of a Docosahexaenoic Acid-Optimized Nutraceutical Formulation on the Macular Levels of Lutein in a Healthy Mediterranean Population

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) plays a pivotal role in maintaining macular structure and functioning. Research shows that daily consumption of lutein reduces the risk of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study analyzes the influence of a supplementation containing lutein and antioxidant vitamins either with or without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with the main objective of identifying MPOD changes in both eyes at the end of the follow-up using the Visucam®retinograph. The secondary end point was to determine variation in the lutein and DHA levels in plasma and red blood cell membranes (RBCMs), respectively. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> One hundred healthy participants (200 eyes) aged 40–70 years (mean age 49.3 years, SEM = 13.7) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive daily one of the following supplements for 3 months: lutein group (LT-G, <i>n</i> = 49) and lutein plus DHA group (LT/DHA-G, <i>n</i> = 51). The MPOD was measured at baseline and end of the follow-up by retinography (Visucam®retinograph). Lutein in plasma was determined by HPLC, and DHA in RBC membranes was analyzed by gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. <b><i>Results:</i></b> From baseline, MPOD showed significantly higher values in the LT/DHA-G than in the LT-G at the end of the study (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001). Significantly higher lutein in plasma (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001) and DHA (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001) levels in the RBC membrane were seen in the LT/DHA-G than in the LT-G at the 3-month follow-up. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Lutein supplementation improves MPOD in healthy subjects from a Mediterranean population being significantly increased in the presence of DHA. Therefore, our findings highlight the relevance of the adjunctive role of DHA for better lutein availability.