Pistachios and Neural Macular Pigment

Description

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss as people age. Studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients found in green leafy vegetables and egg yolks, can help protect against AMD in older adults. These nutrients form a pigment in the retina (macular pigment) that can help protect the retina from light damage. Pistachios are rich sources of both lutein and zeaxanthin; thus, dietary intake of pistachios could serve as a beneficial food source for eye health.

Conditions

Macular Degeneration, Retinal Degeneration, Retinal Diseases, Eye Diseases

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss as people age. Studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients found in green leafy vegetables and egg yolks, can help protect against AMD in older adults. These nutrients form a pigment in the retina (macular pigment) that can help protect the retina from light damage. Pistachios are rich sources of both lutein and zeaxanthin; thus, dietary intake of pistachios could serve as a beneficial food source for eye health.

Pistachios and Neural Macular Pigment; a Randomized Controlled Trial

Pistachios and Neural Macular Pigment

Condition
Macular Degeneration
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Boston

Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) - Tufts, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02111

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Adult men and women, aged 40 - 70 years
  • 2. Body Mass Index (BMI): 20.0 - 36.9 kg/m2
  • 3. Low macular pigment density at baseline (\<0.5 OD)
  • 4. Low lutein and zeaxanthin intake at baseline (\<2 mg/d)
  • 1. Inability to perform the heteroflicker photometry procedures with or without corrective lenses (i.e. glasses or contact lenses) during in-house screening.
  • 2. History of (self-reported):
  • * Fat malabsorption
  • * Use of drugs that interfere with fat absorption or metabolism
  • * Tree nut allergy
  • * Eye disease, including macular degeneration and cataracts
  • * Small bowel disease or resection
  • * Atrophic gastritis
  • * Hyperlipidemia
  • * Insulin-requiring diabetes
  • * \> 14 alcoholic drinks per week
  • * Pancreatic disease
  • * Bleeding disorders
  • * Pregnancy (or hoping to become pregnant during participation in the study)
  • * Carotenoid or fatty acid dietary supplements within 2 months of the study
  • * Non-English speaker
  • * Any condition that would make it unlikely that the participant would be able to complete the requirements of the study.

Ages Eligible for Study

40 Years to 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Tufts University,

Tammy Scott, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Tufts University

Study Record Dates

2023-11-30