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Lutein-Enriched Eggs -- Fighting Macular Degeneration | |
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Lutein has been shown to be effective in the prevention of macular degeneration; the progressive and irreversible loss of vision and the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Lutein and other xanthophylls (egg pigments) may also help to prevent cataracts. North Americans generally consume less than 1 mg/d of lutein, which is far below the 10-20 mg/d that is recommended for preventive levels.
A recent study looked at the feasibility of increasing lutein content in eggs by manipulating the hens’ diet. Two experiments were done in which corn-soy diets were supplemented with lutein. In the second experiment, lutein was added to diets containing alfalfa and corn gluten meal with or without added flax seed. The diets had no effect on egg production, egg weight, feed intake or shell quality. However, the added lutein dramatically increased yolk color from 6-7 Roche score to 12-13 Roche score within 7 days. The best transfer of lutein occurred with corn-soy diets supplemented with alfalfa. Lutein levels increased 5 to 8 times above basal levels from 0.3 to 0.5 mg to enriched levels of 1.5 to 2 mg of lutein. As lutein supplementation levels increased, the transfer of lutein to the egg leveled off. The addition of flax seed reduced the transfer of lutein, which is concerning as it would be beneficial to produce an egg that was enriched with both Omega-3 fatty acids and lutein.
Further research is necessary to determine the reasons for interference of uptake with flax and consumer acceptance in terms of taste and appearance.
Summarized from: Leeson, S. and Caston, L. 2004. Enrichment of eggs with lutein. Poultry Science 83:1709-1712.
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For more information about the content of this document, contact Valerie Carney.
This document is maintained by Brenda Schneider.
This information published to the web on April 20, 2005.
Last Reviewed/Revised on February 8, 2006.
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