Goji Berry Intake Increases Macular Pigment Optical Density in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Pilot Trial

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a biomarker for AMD, is a non-invasive measure to assess risk. The macula xanthophyll pigments lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) protect against blue light and provide oxidant defense, which can be indexed by MPOD. This study examined the effects of Z-rich goji berry intake on MPOD and skin carotenoids in healthy individuals. A randomized, unmasked, parallel-arm study was conducted with 27 participants, aged 45–65, who consumed either 28 g of goji berries or a supplement containing 6 mg L and 4 mg Z (LZ), five times weekly for 90 days. After 90 days, MPOD was significantly increased in the goji berry group at 0.25 and 1.75 retinal eccentricities (p = 0.029 and p = 0.044, respectively), while no changes were noted in the LZ group. Skin carotenoids were significantly increased in the goji berry group at day 45 (p = 0.025) and day 90 (p = 0.006), but not in the LZ group. Regular intake of goji berries in a healthy middle-aged population increases MPOD may help prevent or delay the development of AMD.

Protective effects of Lycium barbarum L. berry extracts against oxidative stress-induced damage of the retina of aging mouse and ARPE-19 cells

“…14 Human trials support that daily supplements of L. barbarum berry increase macular pigment and delay the progress of AMD in healthy middle-aged persons. [15][16][17] In vitro studies indicate that L. barbarum berry protects ARPE-19 cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. 18 These findings indicate that L. barbarum berry is beneficial for AMD.…”

Distinct Role of Lycium barbarum L. Polysaccharides in Oxidative Stress-Related Ocular Diseases

“…AMD is a leading cause of central visual impairment globally [ 155 ]. A recent population-based study showed that goji berries might help prevent or delay the development of AMD [ 125 , 126 , 127 ]. The main pathological changes associated with AMD are the damage of RPE cells, retinal warts and atrophy, and the obstruction of the choroidal capillary.…”

Health Benefits and Applications of Goji Berries in Functional Food Products Development: A Review

“…Based on this result, goji berry has been proposed as an inexpensive, effective, and safe food dietary strategy to increase plasma zeaxanthin concentration [ 81 ]. A recent study showed that 90 days of goji berry consumption was accompanied by an increase in macular pigment optical density, a marker of age-related macular degeneration in healthy, middle-aged adults [ 96 ]. Other studies demonstrated that dietary intervention with a proprietary milk-based formulation of goji berry (13.7 g/day), with enhancing zeaxanthin bioavailability [ 98 ], for 90 days, increases plasma zeaxanthin and improves antioxidant capacity and macular characteristics [ 87 ], as well as enhancing the immune system in healthy elderly subjects [ 88 ].…”