The emerging roles of the macular pigment carotenoids throughout the lifespan and in prenatal supplementation

Journal of Lipid Research

Ranganathan Arunkumar¹  Paul S. Bernstein² 

[1] Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA;For correspondence: Paul S. Bernstein;

关键词: age-related macular degeneration;    antioxidant;    lutein;    meso-zeaxanthin;    nutrition;    ocular health;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Since the publication of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) in 2013, the macular pigment carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) have become well known to both the eye care community and the public. It is a fascinating aspect of evolution that primates have repurposed photoprotective pigments and binding proteins from plants and insects to protect and enhance visual acuity. Moreover, utilization of these plant-derived nutrients has been widely embraced for preventing vision loss from age-related macular degeneration. More recently, there has been growing awareness that these nutrients can also play a role in improving visual performance in adults. On the other hand, the potential benefits of L and Z supplementation at very young ages have been underappreciated. In this review, we examine the biochemical mechanisms and supportive data for L and Z supplementation throughout the lifespan, with particular emphasis on prenatal supplementation. We propose that prenatal nutritional recommendations may aim at improving maternal and infant carotenoid status. Prenatal supplementation with L and Z might enhance infant visual development and performance and may even prevent retinopathy of prematurity, possibilities that should be examined in future clinical studies.

【 授权许可】

Unknown