Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers Effect on Sleep Quality: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Melinda Fernyhough Culver¹, James Bowman² and Vijaya Juturu*¹

Received: September 10, 2018;   Published: September 21, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.09.001775

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Abstract

Purpose: Sleep deprivation can have serious consequences, including but not limited to decreased cognitive performance, work productivity, and immune function, and increased obesity risk. Macular carotenoids (Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin) increase macular pigment and may reduce photo-oxidative stress by blocking blue light and through antioxidant action. This study is to evaluate the effect of a dietary supplement containing lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation for six months on sleep quality using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire in healthy young adults exposed to daily use of electronic devices and outer side activities.

Patients and Methods: This were a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized (DBPCR) study in 48 healthy young adults (Age 18-25 y, males and females, non- smokers, body mass index <27 kg/m²). Inclusion criteria included a minimum of 4 h/d screen time exposure from electronic devices combined with 2-3 h outdoor activity. Subjects were randomly assigned to ingest daily either a placebo (PLA, safflower oil), or 24 mg L/Zi (Lutein and Zeaxanthin isomers, L/Zi; 20 mg L/4 mg Zi). Macular pigment optical density, serum melatonin, serum lutein and zeaxanthin were analyzed, and sleep quality assessed using the using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Total sleep scores and sleep subgroup scores at the beginning and the end of the study was recorded and compared between groups. Statistical significance set at p<0.05.

Results: The results of the current study show a significant reduction of the overall sleep score in the L/Zi treatment group compared with the placebo group indicate that a reduction is an improvement. (P < 0.05). A significant increase in MPOD, serum lutein, and zeaxanthin were observed compared to the placebo treatment (p < 0.05). A trend was observed for melatonin (p < 0.1) in the L/Zi treatment group compared with the placebo group.

Conclusion: The results of the current study show that supplementation with L/Zi had a significant effect on sleep disturbance, daytime dysfunction, medication requirement for sleep, and quality of sleep.

Keywords: Digital devices; Blue light; Meso-zeaxanthin; Melatonin; PSQI

Abstract | Introduction | Material and Methods | Results | Discussion | Conclusion | Acknowledgment | Author Contributions | Disclosure | References |