Consumption of one egg per day increases serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in older adults without altering serum lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations

Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the macular pigment of the retina, and are associated with a reduced incidence of macular degeneration.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of consuming 1 egg/d for 5-wk on the serum concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol in individuals greater than 60 y of age.

In a randomized , cross-over design, 33 subjects participated in the 18-wk study, which included one run-in and one washout period of no eggs prior to and between two five-wk interventions of either consuming one egg or egg substitute/d.

Serum lutein (26%) and zeaxanthin (38%) concentrations increased significantly after 5-wk of 1 egg/d compared to the phase prior to consuming eggs. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides were not affected.

These findings indicate that in older adults, 5 wk of consuming 1 egg/d significantly increases serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations without elevating serum lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.