Effects of Goji Berries on Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of goji berry intake compared to fiber on visual health in participants aged 50 to 95 who are at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Over six months, participants will consume either 28g of goji berries or an equivalent amount of fiber five days a week. The study will assess changes in macular pigment optical volume, gut microbiome profiles, skin carotenoid levels, and lipoprotein profiles. The research seeks to explore the potential benefits of goji berries, which are rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, on AMD progression.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Family history of AMD
* Hyperlipidemia or managed diabetes
* 65 - 95 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dislike of, or allergy to, goji berries or any of the ingredients in the fiber-rich wafers and gummies (wheat, corn, oats, soy, natural orange flavor, xylitol, annatto, pectin, or other food ingredients)
* Consumption of \> 2 alcoholic drinks per day
* Indications of substance or alcohol abuse
* Current or planned use of a blood thinner (e.g., Coumadin, Warfarin) at any time during study
* Use of multi-vitamin or any other supplements that contain lutein and/or zeaxanthin (if willing to stop the supplement, subject can be enrolled 6 months from stop date)
* Taking any new medications started within the past 6 months, or changes in medication regimen planned in the next 6 months (stable use greater than 6 months is not exclusionary)
* Any planned international travel during the study
* Consuming \>3 servings/day of a combination of spinach, kale, lettuce, orange bell peppers, corn, parsley, squash, broccoli, pumpkin, edamame
* Regularly consuming \>3 eggs/day
* Currently participating in any other interventional research study
* Diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, other gastrointestinal disorder, undergoing cancer therapy or immunocompromised, or diagnosis of another condition where lutein, zeaxanthin and/or fiber supplementation would be contraindicated or would interfere with ability to participate in the study
* Any physical characteristic or condition that precludes ability to perform study procedures
* Medical or psychiatric condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would compromise study findings or prevent the participant from completing the study

Where it's running

• UC Davis Eye Center, Tschannen Eye Institute
  Sacramento, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Robert M Hackman, PhD — University of California, Davis
• Study coordinator: Denise Macias, CCRP
• Email: dcmacias@ucdavis.edu
• Phone: (916) 734-6303

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.