Two Eggs per Day Increase Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin in a Pediatric Population Characterized by Low Intake of Fruits and Vegetables.
Loading...
Date
2013-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Aims: Eggs are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids known for their
antioxidant properties. Mexican children have been shown to consume limited amounts
of fruit and vegetables. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether the
inclusion of eggs in the diet increases plasma carotenoids in this population.
Study Design: This study is a follow up on the effects of high egg intake on plasma
lipids and atherogenic lipoproteins in children. Fifty four Mexican children (25 boys/29
girls) aged 8-12 y were randomly assigned to consume either 2 eggs/d (518 mg
additional dietary cholesterol) (EGG period) or the equivalent amount of egg whites (SUB
Period) in a cross-over design for 4 wk. After a 3 wk washout, children were crossed
over to the alternate treatment.
Methodology: 3-day dietary records, plasma carotenoids and apolipoproteins were
measured at the end of the EGG and SUB Periods.
Results: In agreement with the lack of effects of eggs in increasing atherogenic lipoprotein profiles, plasma apolipoprotein B concentrations did not change between
periods indicating that increases in plasma cholesterol were not associated with higher
number of LDL particles. Although the values for apo C-III were high compared to other
pediatric populations, they were not affected by egg intake. Dietary records indicated
low intake of carotenoids, especially during the SUB period. Plasma lutein and
zeaxanthin were increased during the EGG period from 0.235 ± 0.071 to 0.280 ± 0.147
μmol/L (P<0.001) and 0.044 ± 0.019 to 0.051 ± 0.031 μmol/L (P<0.001), respectively.
Conclusions: These results suggest that the eggs are a good source of lutein and
zeaxanthin in this population and that the increases in LDL size during the egg period
may also be related to a better transport of these carotenoids in plasma.
Description
Keywords
Eggs, Mexican children, lutein, zeaxanthin, LDL/HDL ratio
Citation
Ballesteros Martha Nydia, Cabrera Rosa M, Saucedo Socorro, Fernandez Maria Luz. Two Eggs per Day Increase Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin in a Pediatric Population Characterized by Low Intake of Fruits and Vegetables. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research. 2013 Oct-Dec; 3(4): 2203-2213.