EFFECTS OF GOJI BERRY INTAKE ON RISK OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) destroys the macula, the part of the retina that conferssharp, clear and color vision. The disease risk increases with age and affects women more thanmen. No options yet exist to reduce the risk of early AMD, but the dietary carotenoids lutein andzeaxanthin, which are concentrated in the macula, show promise, since they block damaging bluelight and modulate oxidative stress. Goji berries contain the highest amount of zeaxanthin amongall known dietary sources, and along with the lutein and a distinctive polysaccharide, may offer anapproach to reduce the risk of AMD. We have recently shown that goji berry intake for 90 dayssignificantly increased a biomarker of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula in healthy adults. Herewe propose to assess the effects of goji berry intake for 180 days among participants at-risk forAMD, and compare their multiple ocular outcomes to a control group consuming calorie- and fibermatchedgummies Our study will also profile gut microbiome changes using shallow shotgunmetagenomic sequencing, assess differences in associated plasma microbial metabolites, and followplasma levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. This three-year randomized clinical trial addresses the AFRIProgram Area Priority "Food and Human Health" using a whole foods approach. If successful, theresults can give consumers and health care providers new food-based options to reduce the risk ofAMD and promote better eye health. The results may also stimulate development of goji berries asa viable specialty crop in the United States.