Abstract
Background:
Increasing macular pigment optical density (MPOD) as a result of increased macular concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Purpose:
The aim of present study was to determine the influence in which the consumption of eggs, a rich source of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin, influences MPOD and serum lutein.
Methods:
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to July 2020, for relevant randomized clinical trials. Using a random-effects model, pooled weighted mean differences, and SDs for each outcome were obtained. Quality of eligible studies was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool.
Results:
Meta-analysis of five trials (296 participants) revealed that egg consumption significantly increased MPOD (WMD: +0.037; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.069; P= 0.027) and serum lutein (WMD: +0.150 μmol L^-1; 95% CI: 0.037, 0.263; P= 0.009). Subgroup analyses showed that egg consumption: a) had a larger effect on MPOD in studies with a parallel design; and b) increased serum lutein to a greater extent in a healthy population. We did not detect any heterogeneity between studies.
Conclusion:
Daily egg consumption has beneficial effects on MPOD and serum lutein is inversely associated with reduced AMD progression. To confirm the result of this study, further clinical trials are required. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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