(P01-008-24) Impact of Consumption of Antioxidant Fortified Eggs on Eye Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: Macular xanthophylls, which function as blue light filters and act as scavengers of reactive oxygen species, play a crucial role in maintaining visual functions. Eggs are recognized as a rich source of xanthophylls, and their intake has been shown to enhance visual functions. Other antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin D and polyunsaturated fatty acids have shown beneficial effects on eye health. However, the synergistic effect of these nutrients, particularly in the context of antioxidant-fortified eggs, on eye health has not been validated clinically.

Methods: This study examines the effects of consuming antioxidant-fortified eggs on eye health in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Forty adults without eye disease were divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=21) consumed two antioxidant-fortified eggs daily, and the control group (n=19) consumed two regular eggs daily. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and photostress recovery time (PSRT) were assessed at 3 weekly intervals. Plasma levels of xanthophylls and fortified antioxidants, and nutrient intakes from basal diet were assessed every 6 weeks.

Results: Over the 12 weeks, a significant time effect was observed in the MPOD for both eyes. Improvements in CS, primarily attributed to the control group, and reductions in PSRT, primarily driven by the intervention group, were also noted over time in both eyes, indicating enhanced visual function. There was a significant increase in plasma levels of xanthophylls in both groups. However, no differences were observed in either group over time on BCVA, plasma levels of the fortified antioxidants and antioxidant intakes from the basal diet.

Conclusions: Regular egg consumption improves eye health by enhancing visual functions and increasing plasma macular xanthophyll levels. Additional antioxidant fortification in eggs does not yield further benefits on visual functions.

Funding Sources: National University of Singapore