Effects of Goji Berry Intake on Risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Clinical Trial
University of California, Davis
Summary
The goal of this project is to conduct a clinical trial in 60 participants ranging from age 65-95 who are at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study will evaluate the effects of 14g of goji berry intake or an equivalent amount and type of fiber, five days a week for six months, on visual health, gut microbiome profiles, skin carotenoid measures, and lipoprotein profiles.
Description
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. The disease occurs when the macula in the central retina develops lesions due, in part, to the loss of the protection of macular pigments zeaxanthin, lutein, and meso-zeaxanthin, which are responsible for light filtering and oxidative defense. The major risk factor for AMD is aging, and currently, no definitive prevention for AMD exists. Goji berry (Lycium Barbarum) is a fruit that has been used as traditional medicine in Asian countries for more than 2,000 years. Modern science has identified potential…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65–95 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
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 zeaxa…
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementGoji berry
Participants will be instructed to consume 14 grams of goji berries 5 days a week for 6 months
- Dietary SupplementFiber
Participants will be instructed to consume the fiber supplements 5 days a week for 6 months
Location
- UC Davis Eye Center, Tschannen Eye InstituteSacramento, California