Macular pigment density in relation to serum and adipose tissue concentrations of lutein and serum concentrations of zeaxanthin

Background: Macular pigment (MP), concentrated in the central area of the retina, contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. A low MP density could be a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. Little information is available regarding MP density in relation to serum lutein and zeaxanthin and adipose lutein concentrations in a general population. Objective: The objective was to investigate the associations between MP density and serum lutein, serum zeaxanthin, and adipose lutein, taking into account potential confounders in a population. Design: Volunteers (n = 376) aged 18¿75 y were recruited. In a cross-sectional design, serum (n = 376) and adipose tissue (n = 187) were analyzed for carotenoids, and MP density was measured by spectral fundus reflectance. Results: Mean MP density in the total study group was 0.33 ± 0.15. MP density was 13% higher in men than in women (P