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Abstract
Lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) may prevent oxidative damage associated with macular degeneration and osteoporosis. It may be that LZ status is influenced by personal characteristics that influence the natural history of degenerative conditions. The purpose of this study was to correlate LZ status with total and regional body fat and areal bone mineral density in 63 young adults. Macular pigment was measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry. Serum LZ was quantified with high performance liquid chromatography. Body fat and aBMD were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body fat percentage was not related to LZ status (possibly due to a restriction in the range of body fat). Macular pigment was positively related to aBMD (p < 0.05). A relation between LZ status and conditions characterized by oxidative stress is consistent with the recommendation to increase intake of antioxidant-rich foods in order to help prevent the development of degenerative conditions.