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The effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on resting state functional connectivity in older Caucasian adults: a randomized controlled trial

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Abstract

The carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) accumulate in retinal regions of the eye and have long been shown to benefit visual health. A growing literature suggests cognitive benefits as well, particularly in older adults. The present randomized controlled trial sought to investigate the effects of L and Z on brain function using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). It was hypothesized that L and Z supplementation would (1) improve intra-network integrity of default mode network (DMN) and (2) reduce inter-network connectivity between DMN and other resting state networks. 48 community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 72 years) were randomly assigned to receive a daily L (10 mg) and Z (2 mg) supplement or a placebo for 1 year. Resting state fMRI data were acquired at baseline and post-intervention. A dictionary learning and sparse coding computational framework, based on machine learning principles, was used to investigate intervention-related changes in functional connectivity. DMN integrity was evaluated by calculating spatial overlap rate with a well-established DMN template provided in the neuroscience literature. Inter-network connectivity was evaluated via time series correlations between DMN and nine other resting state networks. Contrary to expectation, results indicated that L and Z significantly increased rather than decreased inter-network connectivity (Cohen’s d = 0.89). A significant intra-network effect on DMN integrity was not observed. Rather than restoring what has been described in the available literature as a “youth-like” pattern of intrinsic brain activity, L and Z may facilitate the aging brain’s capacity for compensation by enhancing integration between networks that tend to be functionally segregated earlier in the lifespan.

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Funding

This research project was funded in part by Abbott Nutritional Products (Columbus, OH; research grant to B.R.H., L.M.R., L.S.M.) and the University of Georgia’s Bio-Imaging Research Center (Athens, GA; administrative support to L.S.M.). DSM Nutritional Products (Switzerland) provided the supplements and placebos.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Psychology Building, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Cutter A. Lindbergh, Catherine M. Mewborn, Lisa M. Renzi-Hammond, Billy R. Hammond & L. Stephen Miller

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia

    Jinglei Lv

  3. Department of Computer Science, 420 Boyd Graduate Studies Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Yu Zhao & Tianming Liu

  4. Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University, 2120 L St., Suite 600, Washington D.C., 22307, USA

    Antonio N. Puente

  5. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 79/96 Thirteenth Street, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA

    Douglas P. Terry

  6. Institute of Gerontology, University of Georgia, Hudson Hall | 102 Spear Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Lisa M. Renzi-Hammond

  7. Bio-Imaging Research Center, Paul D. Coverdell Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    L. Stephen Miller

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  1. Cutter A. Lindbergh
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Correspondence to L. Stephen Miller.

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Conflict of interest

L.M.R. was an employee of Abbott Nutrition during a portion of the grant period while holding a joint appointment at the University of Georgia. B.R.H. has consulted for Abbott Nutrition. No other potential conflicts of interest exist for any of the study authors, including A.N.P., C.A.L., C.M.M., D.P.T, J.L., T.L., and Y.Z. The study design, the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data, and the writing of the report were all completed independently of supporting agencies.

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Lindbergh, C.A., Lv, J., Zhao, Y. et al. The effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on resting state functional connectivity in older Caucasian adults: a randomized controlled trial. Brain Imaging and Behavior 14, 668–681 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11682-018-00034-y

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