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The Relative Bioavailability of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Presence of Omega-3 Supplements and Their Effect on Oxidative Stress Levels in Humans: A Pilot Study

Kalu KA, McMonnies C, Lin S, Arcot J

Nutrients, 2026

10 participants

Abstract

Introduction: Lutein+Zeaxanthin (L+Z) are the major constituents of macular pigments of the retina. There is a lack of information on the bioavailability of the two compounds in the presence and absence of omega-3 fatty acids in L+Z supplements which are commonly prescribed to treat macular degeneration. Despite growing interest in L+Z supplementation, there remains a limited understanding of their short-term bioavailability dynamics and the potential added value of omega-3 co-supplementation. This pilot study reports on the bioavailability of serum responses to L+Z supplements in the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and evaluates time-resolved analytical approaches using Area Under the Curve. Subjects/Methods: A total of 10 men and six women with an average age of 31.38 ± 1.27 years participated in this randomised, non-blinded, controlled study for a total of 19 days (7-day wash-out period plus 12-day intervention period). The control group (n = 9) consumed the L+Z supplement (12 mg/d) only, while the intervention group (n = 7) consumed the L+Z supplement along with 900 mg/d of an omega-3 supplement (540 mg EPA + DHA 360 mg). Each group adhered to a comprehensive low-carotenoid and omega-3 diet list (LCOD) for the 7-day wash-out period and the 12-day intervention period. The participants reported the foods they consumed daily in their diet logbooks, online logs, and the ASA 24 diet assessment log over the study period. The body composition of each subject in the two groups…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 10 participants or records.

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