#Goji #AMD #Macula #Zeaxanthin #Carotenoids
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the
third leading cause of blindness worldwide, particularly among older
populations. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a non-invasive biomarker,
reflects the accumulation of protective xanthophyll pigments such as lutein and
zeaxanthin. These pigments play a critical role in filtering blue light and
reducing retinal oxidative stress.
In the absence of early curative treatments, nutritional prevention is emerging
as a key strategy. Goji berries, rich in zeaxanthin dipalmitate, are drawing
growing interest. This study aimed to evaluate whether regular consumption of
goji berries can improve MPOD and skin carotenoid levels in healthy adults with
no signs of AMD.
Do goji berries boost retinal health?
The study included 27 healthy adults aged 45 to
65, divided into two intervention groups. The first group consumed 28 g of goji
berries, while the second received a nutritional supplement providing 6 mg of
lutein and 4 mg of zeaxanthin. Both interventions were administered five times
per week for 90 days. MPOD was measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry
at four retinal eccentricities (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 1.75 degrees). Skin
carotenoid concentrations were measured by reflection spectroscopy.
At the end of the study, only the goji berry
group showed a significant increase in MPOD at eccentricities 0.25 (p = 0.029)
and 1.75 (p = 0.044). No improvement was observed in the supplement group.
Furthermore, skin carotenoid levels were significantly higher in the goji group
at days 45 (p = 0.025) and 90 (p = 0.006), suggesting better bioavailability
and greater biological efficacy of natural compounds found in whole berries
compared to isolated formulations.
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Goji: A fruit worth a closer look
Age-related macular degeneration is a major
cause of vision loss after age 60. Its progressive, irreversible nature and the
lack of effective early treatments make it a priority challenge in eye health.
Current approaches struggle to slow disease progression in asymptomatic or
mildly affected individuals.
In this context, the study sought to evaluate the preventive potential of
regular goji berry intake on macular pigment density in healthy adults with no
history of AMD.
Results showed a significant improvement in
MPOD after 90 days of goji berry consumption, suggesting a protective effect on
the retina, even in the absence of diagnosed pathology.
These effects may be
attributed to the high zeaxanthin content of goji berries, but also to other
bioactive compounds—such as Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP),
vitamin C, zinc, and beta-carotene—whose synergistic action may enhance macular
protection.
However, the study presents several
methodological limitations, warranting further scientific clinical research.
Larger double-blind clinical trials incorporating visual functional criteria
are needed to confirm these findings, explore long-term effects, and determine
whether goji berries could be positioned as a targeted nutritional tool in the
active prevention of AMD.
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