Macular Pigment
It is made up of several pigments or carotenoids (phytochemicals found in plants) and is responsible for protecting the eye from the harmful effects of free radicals.
This pigment also protects the eye from the damaging effects of blue light. MP can be increased through
diet
and/or supplementation.
Lutein for the Eyes
The MP is made of two carotenoids:
1. Lutein is the main carotenoid in the peripheral retina, making up 67% or greater
Increasing the concentration of these pigments in the eye may help prevent age-related macular degeneration. Conversely, if there is a thinning of this pigment, people are more susceptible to the damages of free radicals and blue light. MP can be increased with diet and/or dietary supplements of lutein and zeaxanthin. Foods High in Lutein
It is possible to increase your macular pigment by increasing the amount of lutein you get in your diet. Foods like corn, eggs, and spinach all contain lutein. For a complete list of foods high in lutein click here:
Foods High in Lutein
Lutein CapsulesStudies have also shown that you can increase your macular pigment through supplementing with lutein capsules.There are many different companies that offer lutein supplements. To find out more about about the optimal lutein dosage and what to look for in a lutein supplement click here:
Lutein Capsules
Measuring the Macular Pigment“When we compared the amount of MP, which is comprised of lutein and zeaxanthin, present in the eyes of people with age-related macular degeneration to people without the disease, those with the lowest levels of carotenoid accumulation in the outer retina were significantly more likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration than those with higher pigment levels, ” said Dr. Landrum.
One day measuring the MP may be a part of a routine vision screening.
Macular Pigment Density StudiesCurrently there are several studies researching supplementation and its effect on MP.1. Enhancement of Macular Pigment Density by Oral Lutein Supplementation (EMPOLS)
This study in Berne, Switzerland is to determine if there is an increase in MP density after six months supplementation of Lutein 10 mg daily, contained in VitaluxPlus. The completetion date of this study is December 2008. 
2. The Role of Macular Pigment in Patients With Age-Related Macular DegenerationThis is an observation study in Berne, Switzerland, with the aim of assessing "the peak MP density as well as the MP distribution in relation to the risk for ARMD." The completion of this study is December 2009. They hope to: √ assess the relationship of MP density with the occurrence of age related macular degneration. They also hope to √ identify patients with low MP density √ improve the early diagnosis of patients at high risk for developing ARMD √ develop a basis for dietary supplementation of lutein and/or zeaxanthin in patients with high risk for ARMD due to low MP values 3. Long Term Effects of Lutein/Zeaxanthin and Omega-3- Supplementation on Optical Density of AMD Patients (LUTEGA) The primary objective of LUTEGA is it to determine the effect of supplementation of lutein/zeaxanthin and omega-3- fatty acids on MP density in patients with non- exudative age related maculopathy. This is taking place in Jena, Germany. 4. Investigation of MP Augmentation on Dark Adaptation The study in Birmingham, Alabama will evaluate whether taking a nutritional supplement designed to increase MP in the eye can improve a person's ability to adjust to darkness.
Go from Macular Pigment to Definition of Macular Degeneration
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