Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Omega-3-fatty acids: Sources, Intakes, Bioavailability, and Associated risk for Age-related Macular Degeneration
type: CreativeWork
description: There is overwhelming evidence supporting lutein and zeaxanthin as beneficial to eye health. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia and globally, has been associated with inadequate dietary lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) intakes. This study aimed to assess dietary L+Z intakes and sources, the cooking effect on carotenoids L, including the relative bioavailability of these carotenoids when consumed with omega-3 supplements. Consequently, the potential health benefit associated with increased carotenoids L+Z intakes and lower AMD risk. This study had 3 phases; Phase 1 assessed dietary L+Z intakes using dietary questionnaires (24-h recall and DQES), and background characteristics, while serum L+Z and omega-3 status were determined using HPLC and GC-MS. Carotenoid L+Z sources (raw vs. cooked) in subjects’ dietary reports were analyzed, including other food sources from major supermarket outlets, and levels were quantified using HPLC (Phase 2). The relative bioavailability of L+Z were examined when consumed with omega-3 supplements over a 19-d period (Phase 3). This study revealed evidence supporting the achievable mean levels of serum L and estimated dietary L +Z levels among 19 – 52 yr Australian adults with and without a family history of AMD. The preliminary data linked ethnic origin and residency status duration (>10 yr) with dietary intakes of L+Z and omega-3-FA. Overall, dietary L+Z intakes were below the reported range (≈3 – 5 mg/day) considered for recommended intakes. Also, participants achieved serum L and Z levels that were consistent (34-60 µg/dL) and inconsistent (<34 µg/dL) with reported literature evidence. Further, data analysis revealed that RBC EPA/AA ratio, seafood, supplement use (non-AMD related), and residency status influenced serum L and omega-3-FA status. Dietary L+Z intakes reported by subjects were quantified, and sweet corn, asparagus, chili habanero, and plum were determined (raw form) to b…
abstract: There is overwhelming evidence supporting lutein and zeaxanthin as beneficial to eye health. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia and globally, has been associated with inadequate dietary lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) intakes. This study aimed to assess dietary L+Z intakes and sources, the cooking effect on carotenoids L, including the relative bioavailability of these carotenoids when consumed with omega-3 supplements. Consequently, the potential health benefit associated with increased carotenoids L+Z intakes and lower AMD risk. This study had 3 phases; Phase 1 assessed dietary L+Z intakes using dietary questionnaires (24-h recall and DQES), and background characteristics, while serum L+Z and omega-3 status were determined using HPLC and GC-MS. Carotenoid L+Z sources (raw vs. cooked) in subjects’ dietary reports were analyzed, including other food sources from major supermarket outlets, and levels were quantified using HPLC (Phase 2). The relative bioavailability of L+Z were examined when consumed with omega-3 supplements over a 19-d period (Phase 3). This study revealed evidence supporting the achievable mean levels of serum L and estimated dietary L +Z levels among 19 – 52 yr Australian adults with and without a family history of AMD. The preliminary data linked ethnic origin and residency status duration (>10 yr) with dietary intakes of L+Z and omega-3-FA. Overall, dietary L+Z intakes were below the reported range (≈3 – 5 mg/day) considered for recommended intakes. Also, participants achieved serum L and Z levels that were consistent (34-60 µg/dL) and inconsistent (<34 µg/dL) with reported literature evidence. Further, data analysis revealed that RBC EPA/AA ratio, seafood, supplement use (non-AMD related), and residency status influenced serum L and omega-3-FA status. Dietary L+Z intakes reported by subjects were quantified, and sweet corn, asparagus, chili habanero, and plum were determined (raw form) to b…
author: Kalu, Arua
language: en
keywords: Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Omega-3-fatty acids, Age-related Macular Degeneration, Oxidative Stress, anzsrc-for: 3210 Nutrition and dietetics, anzsrc-for: 321005 Public health nutrition, anzsrc-for: 3212 Ophthalmology and optometry, anzsrc-for: 4206 Public health
license: https://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date published: 2023
date modified: 2026-07-24T05:33:18Z
provider: University of New South Wales
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: UNSW, Sydney

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.4/101650

PropertyValue
property ID: DOI
value: 10.26190/unsworks/25357