Oral carotenoid supplements to support retinal health in healthy adults
Effect of Carotenoid Supplementation on Retinal Health: An Evaluation of Macular Structure and Function in Healthy Adults
This project will test whether taking an oral carotenoid supplement can boost protective macular pigment and improve vision-related measures in healthy adults aged 18–75.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Pacific University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Forest Grove, Oregon) |
| Trial ID | NCT07314411 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy adults who meet vision and health criteria will be given either an oral carotenoid supplement or a placebo and will undergo eye and skin measurements over the study period. Key outcomes include macular pigment optical density (MPOD), retinal thickness, macular and choriocapillaris vessel density, ocular perfusion pressure, contrast sensitivity, and photostress recovery time. The study will also compare skin carotenoid levels with ocular carotenoid status to explore a potential noninvasive marker. Participants must have normal eye pressure and 20/20 monocular best-corrected visual acuity and will need internet access for study procedures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18–75 with monocular BCVA of 20/20 or better, eye pressure between 8 and 22 mm Hg, not pregnant or nursing, not using carotenoid supplements, and able to attend visits at the study site and use the internet.
Not a fit: People with current or past eye disease, prior ocular surgery, pregnancy or nursing, known allergies to study ingredients, or who are taking interacting drugs or carotenoid supplements are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the supplement could help preserve macular pigment and visual performance and may lower long-term risk factors for retinal degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research on lutein and zeaxanthin supplements has shown increases in macular pigment and some improvements in visual function, so this approach builds on existing evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18-75 years * Monocular best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20 or better * Eye pressure between 8 and 22 mm of Hg (will be screened in study if needed) * Ability to provide informed consent * Access to the Internet Exclusion Criteria: * History of or currently active eye diseases or systemic disease * History of refractive surgery or ocular surgery * Currently pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant during the study period * Known allergy to any study active or inactive ingredient * Current supplementation with any components of MacuHealth or placebo softgel capsules * Drugs that may interact with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins/carotenoids especially orlistat and bile acid sequestrants (i.e., colestyramine, fat-free substitutes such as Olestra, beta-carotene, and vitamin E), or antidiabetic drugs
Where this trial is running
Forest Grove, Oregon
- Pacific University — Forest Grove, Oregon, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Aditi Deshpande
- Email: aditi_1316@pacificu.edu
- Phone: 503-352-2289
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.