Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the macular pigment of the retina, and are reported to be associated with a reduced incidence of age-related macular degeneration. A rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin in the American diet is the yolk of chicken eggs. Thus, the objective of the study was to investigate the effect of consuming 1 egg/d for 5 wk on the serum concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, lipids, and lipoprotein cholesterol in individuals >60 y of age. In a randomized cross-over design, 33 men and women participated in the 18-wk study, which included one run-in and one washout period of no eggs prior to and between two 5-wk interventions of either consuming 1 egg or egg substitute/d. Serum lutein 26% (P < 0.001) and zeaxanthin 38% (P < 0.001) concentrations increased after 5-wk of 1 egg/d compared with the phase prior to consuming eggs. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were not affected. These findings indicate that in older adults, 5 wk of consuming 1 egg/d significantly increases serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations without elevating serum lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.

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Sixty‐five adults ≥ 60 years of age and taking various statins for at least 3 months, are being recruited into an egg‐feeding study of age‐related macular degeneration. At this point, 26 participants have completed the 18‐week sequential study consisting of 4 phases. Phases 1 (baseline) and 3 are 4 week periods each during which time participants are instructed to refrain from consuming eggs. During phases 2 and 4, individuals consume food items containing the equivalent of 2 and 4 egg yolks per day, respectively for 5 weeks. Serum lipid and lipoprotein levels are being determined twice for each phase in a CDC/NHLBI lipid standardized laboratory. Unexpectedly, not only did serum lipids not rise with cholesterol intakes up to 1000 mg/day, but LDL‐C was reduced 10% (p<0.003) and HDL‐C increased 7% (p<0.002) in participants consuming the equivalent of 4 eggs/day. 7DDR at each phase do not support a decrease in saturated fat intake with increasing egg consumption In conclusion, statins appear to regulate serum total and lipoprotein cholesterol levels even in the presence of elevated dietary cholesterol intakes. Supported by the American Egg Board, Egg Nutrition Center, Washington, DC and The Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund Inc., New Bedford, MA.