Effects of lutein and lycopene on carotid intima-media thickness in Chinese subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of lutein and lycopene supplementation on carotid artery intima-media thickness (CAIMT) in subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis. A total of 144 subjects aged 45-68 years were recruited from local communities. All the subjects were randomly assigned to receive 20Â mg lutein/d (n 48), 20Â mg lutein/d+20Â mg lycopene/d (n 48) or placebo (n 48) for 12 months. CAIMT was measured using Doppler ultrasonography at baseline and after 12 months, and serum lutein and lycopene concentrations were determined using HPLC. Serum lutein concentrations increased significantly from 0·34 to 1·96Â μmol/l in the lutein group (P