Supplementation with macular carotenoids reduces psychological stress, serum cortisol, and sub-optimal symptoms of physical and emotional health in young adults

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation attenuates inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative cardiovascular processes in humans

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Systemic inflammation and oxidation are primary contributors to the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles within the vascular endothelium has been hypothesized to be an initial step in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, with inflammatory cytokines serving as the signaling mechanism for concomitant macrophage activation. Supplementation with the antioxidative macular xanthophylls (lutein [L], zeaxanthin [Z], and meso-zeaxanthin [MZ]) has been shown to aid in the reduction of inflammatory physiologic responses; therefore, we hypothesized that in our study population, supplementation with these xanthophylls would facilitate a systemic reduction in markers of inflammation and cardiovascular lipid oxidation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this double-blind placebo-controlled supplementation study, participants were randomly allocated to receive the active intervention containing L (10 mg) + MZ (10 mg) + Z (2 mg) or placebo (containing sunflower oil). Serum concentrations of carotenoids (assessed by HPLC), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and oxidized LDL (OxLDL; by solid-phase sandwich ELISA) were measured at baseline and at 6-months. Results showed that over the supplementation period, compared to placebo, the active group demonstrated statistically significant increases in serum concentrations of L, Z, & MZ (p < 0.05), reductions in inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (p < 0.001) and TNF-α (p = 0.003), as well as a corresponding reduction in serum OxLDL (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that L, Z, & MZ supplementation results in decreased serum IL-1β, TNF-α, and OxLDL. This suggests that these carotenoids are acting systemically to attenuate oxidative lipid products and inflammation, thus reducing their contribution to atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Plasma carotenoids and risk of depressive symptomatology in a population-based cohort of older adults

BACKGROUND

As part of a healthy diet, higher carotenoid intakes have been associated with a reduced risk of depression, mainly in adults, while prospective studies on plasma carotenoids in older adults are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the prospective association between plasma carotenoids and the risk of Depressive Symptomatology (DS) in older adults.

METHODS

The study sample was based on the Three-City cohort of adults aged 65y+ free from DS at enrollment in 1999. Plasma carotenoids were measured at baseline. DS was assessed every 2-3 years over 17 years and defined by a Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale score ≥ 16 and/or by antidepressant use. The association between plasma carotenoids or carotenoid/lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) ratio and the risk for DS was assessed through multiple random-effect logistic regression.

RESULTS

The study sample was composed of 1010 participants (mean age 74 y (±4.9), 58 % of women) followed-up during a median time of 13.4 years. Plasma zeaxanthin and ratios of zeaxanthin/lipids, lutein+zeaxanthin/lipids and β-carotene/lipids were independently associated with a significant reduced risk of DS over time (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) [0.67;0.99], OR = 0.79 [0.67;0.98], OR = 0.79 [0.64;0.94] and OR = 0.80 [0.66;0.97] for +1 standard deviation of each exposure respectively).

LIMITATIONS

Plasma carotenoids were only available at study baseline.

CONCLUSION

Focusing on circulating carotenoids and considering lipids levels, the present results suggested an association between higher levels of plasma zeaxanthin, combined lutein+zeaxanthin and β-carotene and a decreased risk of DS over time in older adults.

Protective role of antioxidant supplementation for depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

New research supports an integrated approach to treating depression, and lifestyle modifications should be a regular component of both preventative and treatment programs. Therefore, in order to investigate the relationship between various antioxidant supplements and depressive status, we carried out a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT).

METHODS

We thoroughly searched PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to screen publications focusing on the effects of antioxidant supplements on depression status. The meta-analysis mainly compared depression scores between groups that received antioxidant supplements and controls. We also pooled studies reporting changes in anxiety status as a secondary outcome.

RESULTS

52 studies with 4049 participants were eventually identified. The meta-analysis found that the positive effect of antioxidant supplementation, such as magnesium (SMD = 0.16, p = 0.03), zinc (SMD = 0.59, p = 0.01), selenium (SMD = 0.33, p = 0.009), CoQ10 (SMD = 0.97, p = 0.05), tea and coffee (SMD = 1.15, p = 0.001) and crocin (MD = 6.04, p < 0.00001), on depressive status were all significant. And antioxidant supplementation also showed significant improvement in anxiety (SMD = 0.40, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis by scale types and countries were performed, and antioxidant supplementation's positive effects on depressive and anxiety states remained significant.

LIMITATIONS

This study did not limit the characteristics of the included population, and the diversity of scales also contributed to the heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Intake of antioxidant supplements is associated with improved depression and anxiety states, further affirms the therapeutic potential of antioxidant supplements as adjunctive therapy to conventional antidepressants.

Inverse Association between Dietary Diversity Score Calculated from the Diet Quality Questionnaire and Psychological Stress in Chinese Adults: A Prospective Study from China Health and Nutrition Survey

Specific nutrients or dietary patterns influence an individual’s psychological stress. As a major aspect of a healthy diet, the influence of dietary diversity on psychological stress remains uncertain. Within these contexts, we aimed to examine the association between the dietary diversity score and psychological stress, using prospective data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). We included 7434 adult participants, with complete dietary information, in the 2011 wave, and followed-up with perceived stress scale (PSS-14) in the 2015 wave. The dietary intake of foods was coded into 29 food groups, using the DQQ for China, and the dietary diversity scores were obtained, using DQQ, by calculating the number of food groups consumed during one 24-h dietary recall. The univariate analysis, and logistic regression model were used to examine the relationship between psychological stress and diet diversity. Approximately half of the participants (4204, 56.55%) perceived a higher level of stress (PSS-14 total score > 25). Dietary diversity was lower in the higher-stress group (p for trend <0.0001). Unconditional multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that participants with higher daily dietary diversity were less likely to experience higher-level psychological stress, compared with participants with lower daily dietary diversity (ORs range: 0.480−0.809). Dietary diversity was found to be inversely associated with psychological stress, in this prospective analysis of a national population. Further studies are required to figure out the mechanism and effectiveness of dietary diversity on psychological stress.

Improvement of several stress response and sleep quality hormones in men and women after sleeping in a bed that protects against electromagnetic fields

BACKGROUND

The electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by the technologies affect the homeostatic systems (nervous, endocrine, and immune systems) and consequently the health. In a previous work, we observed that men and women, after 2 months of using a bed with a registered HOGO system, that prevents and drain EMFs, improved their immunity, redox and inflammatory states and rejuvenated their rate of aging or biological age. Since, EMFs can act as a chronic stressor stimulus, and affect the sleep quality. The objective of this work was to study in men and women (23-73 years old) the effect of sleeping for 2 months on that bed in the blood concentrations of several hormones related to stress response and sleep quality as well as to corroborate the rejuvenation of their biological age.

METHODS

In 18 men and women, plasma concentration of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine), serotonin, oxytocin and melatonin were analyzed before and after 2 months of using the HOGO beds. A group of 10 people was used as placebo control. In another cohort of 25 men (20 experimental and 5 placebo), the effects of rest on the HOGO system on the concentration of cortisol and testosterone in plasma were studied. In all these volunteers, the biological age was analyzed using the Immunity Clock model.

RESULTS

There is a significant increase in plasma concentration of DHEA, norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, and melatonin as well as in testosterone, after resting for 2 months in that bed with the EMFs avoiding system. In addition, decreases in Cortisol/DHEA and Testosterone/cortisol ratio and plasma dopamine concentration were observed. No differences were found in placebo groups. In all participants that slept on HOGO beds, the biological age was reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleeping in a bed that isolates from EMFs and drain them can be a possible strategy to improve the secretion of hormones related to a better response to stress and sleep quality, which means a better endocrine system, and consequently better homeostasis and maintenance of health. This fact was confirmed with the slowdown in the rate of aging checked with a rejuvenation of the biological age.

Anthocyanins and Carotenoids Characterization in Flowers and Leaves of Cyclamen Genotypes Linked with Bioactivities Using Multivariate Analysis Techniques

The present study was carried out to evaluate and compare in vitro antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)), antimicrobial, anticancer activities, and the individual carotenoids and anthocyanins content of methanol extracts of the Cyclamen genotypes: Persian cyclamen accessions (Cyclamen persicum Mill.), sowbread (C. mirabile Hildebr.), and ivy-leaved cyclamen (C. hederifolium Mill.) aerial parts. The HPLC-PDA analysis revealed the presence of five individual carotenoids (i.e., neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein, β-carotene, and cis-β-carotene) as the main compounds in Cyclamen leaves, and the presence of seven individual anthocycanins (i.e., cyanidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside, peonidin-rutinoside, peonidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside, peonidin 3-O-glucoside, malvidin 3-O-glucoside, malvidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside, and malvidin-rutinoside) in Cyclamen flowers reported, hereby, for the first time. The highest phenolic content was found in the leaves of LC6, C. mirabile (46.32 ± 0.14 mg/g gallic acid equivalents [GAE]), and in the flowers of C. persicum Merengue Magenta (FC15) (58.63 ± 0.17 mg/g GAE), whereas the highest flavonoid content was reported in C. persicum Halios Falbala leaves, namely LC9 (54.90 ± 0.27 mg/g quercetin equivalents [QE]) and in flowers of C. persicum Victora (FC2) (77.87 ± 0.25 mg/g QE). The highest antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays was reported in C. persicum Dark Violet (LC1) and Victoria (LC2), whereas C. mirabile (LC6) had the highest activity in the TEAC assay. In flowers, high antioxidant activities in DPPH and TEAC were noticed in C. persicum Superserie Red (FC7) and Dark Violet (FC1), respectively, and Halios Falbala (FC9) exhibited the highest activity in the TEAC assay. Additionally, FC9 exhibited the highest antibacterial activity in almost all tested bacteria compared with the leaves extracts. Furthermore, the highest in vitro citotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 cells was noticed in C. hederifolium LC18 (56.71-69.35%) and FC18 (40.07-41.43%), with a lower effect against BJ cells demonstrating selective toxicity. The above findings, highlight the potential use of the Cyclamen flower and leaf extracts as significant anticancer agents along with their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Clinical Evidence of the Benefits of Phytonutrients in Human Healthcare

Phytonutrients comprise many different chemicals, including carotenoids, indoles, glucosinolates, organosulfur compounds, phytosterols, polyphenols, and saponins. This review focuses on the human healthcare benefits of seven phytochemical families and highlights the significant potential contribution of phytonutrients in the prevention and management of pathologies and symptoms in the field of family health. The structure and function of these phytochemical families and their dietary sources are presented, along with an overview of their potential activities across different health and therapeutic targets. This evaluation has enabled complementary effects of the different families of phytonutrients in the same area of health to be recognized.

Cordyceps militaris: An Overview of Its Chemical Constituents in Relation to Biological Activity

Cordyceps spp. mushrooms have a long tradition of use as a natural raw material in Asian ethnomedicine because of their adaptogenic, tonic effects and their ability to reduce fatigue and stimulate the immune system in humans. This review aims to present the chemical composition and medicinal properties of Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies and mycelium, as well as mycelium from in vitro cultures. The analytical results of the composition of C. militaris grown in culture media show the bioactive components such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ergothioneine and others described in the review. To summarize, based on the presence of several bioactive compounds that contribute to biological activity, C. militaris mushrooms definitely deserve to be considered as functional foods and also have great potential for medicinal use. Recent scientific reports indicate the potential of cordycepin in antiviral activity, particularly against COVID-19.

Microencapsulation of carotenoid-rich materials: A review

Carotenoids are natural pigments that present several bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and provitamin A activities. However, these compounds are susceptible to degradation when exposed to a number of conditions (e.g. light, heat, oxygen), leading to loss of benefits and hampering their application in food products. Their hydrophobicity also makes incorporation into water-based foods more difficult. Microencapsulation techniques have been applied for decades to provide stability to carotenoid-rich extracts under typical conditions of processing and storage of foods, besides offering several other advantages to the use and application of these materials. This work reviews the recent advances in the microencapsulation of carotenoid-rich extracts, oils and oleoresins from varying sources, evidencing the technologies applied to encapsulate these materials, the effects of encapsulation on the obtained particles, and the impact of such processes on the bioaccessibility and release profile of carotenoids from microparticles. Moreover, recent applications of carotenoid-rich microparticles in food products are discussed. Most of the applied processes were effective in improving different aspects of the encapsulated materials, especially the stability of carotenoids during storage, resulting in microparticles with promising properties for future applications in food products. However, the lack of information about the effects of microencapsulation on carotenoids during processing of model foods, the sensory acceptance of enriched food products and the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of microencapsulated carotenoids reveals gaps that should be explored in the future.

The Effect of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake on Human Macular Pigment Optical Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in the human macula and may have a role in visual function. These carotenoids are reported to protect the retina, and thus vision, as antioxidants and by acting as a blue light filter. Our objective was to determine a minimum concentration of lutein/zeaxanthin intake that is associated with a statistically significant and/or clinically important change in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) among adults with healthy eyes. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and the Commonwealth of Agriculture Bureau for English-language studies through to July 2020. Two reviewers screened results to identify studies that evaluated supplements or dietary sources of lutein/zeaxanthin on MPOD among adults with healthy eyes. One reviewer extracted data and assessed strength of evidence, which was confirmed by a second reviewer. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias. Meta-analyses were stratified by total lutein/zeaxanthin dose. We included 46 studies (N = 3189 participants; mean age = 43 y; 42% male). There was no statistically significant change in MPOD among studies evaluating <5 mg/d of total lutein/zeaxanthin intake which primarily assessed dietary interventions for 3-6 mo (pooled mean difference, 0.02; 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.05). The pooled mean increase in MPOD was 0.04 units (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.07) among studies evaluating 5 to <20 mg/d of lutein/zeaxanthin and was 0.11 units (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.16) among studies evaluating ≥20 mg/d of lutein/zeaxanthin for 3-12 mo. MPOD increased with lutein/zeaxanthin intake, particularly at higher doses, among adults with healthy eyes. The effects of lutein/zeaxanthin intake at doses <5 mg/d or from dietary sources is less clear. Increased lutein/zeaxanthin intake can help with maintaining ocular health. Future research is needed to determine the minimum dose and duration of lutein/zeaxanthin intake that is associated with a clinically important change in MPOD or visual function.

The association between carotenoid intake, mental health, and sleep quality among university students

BACKGROUND

The impact of carotenoid intake on the risk of mental disorders and poor sleep quality is unclear. Thus, we sought to examine the association between carotenoid intake, mental health, and sleep quality among university students.

METHODS

A total of 368 healthy university students (181 men, 49%), aged 18 to 43 years, volunteered for this study. Dietary intake, physical activity, sleep quality, mental health, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. A multivariable logistic regression analysis test was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 22.9 ± 3.9 years and mean BMI was 23.1 ± 3.8 kg/m². The students in the highest quartile of carotenoid intake had a significantly lower risk of poor sleep quality (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.40; P  < 0.001) and depression (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.59; P = 0.001). In the sex-stratified subgroup analysis, the depression risk was significant for men (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.59; P = 0.007), but not for women. Furthermore, we did not observe any specific relationship between carotenoid intake and the risk of anxiety or stress.

CONCLUSION

It appears that the students with higher carotenoid intake may have a better quality of sleep and lower risk of depression. More longitudinal and in-depth qualitative and quantitative research, with a longer-term follow-up, is needed to support the veracity of our findings.

Extremophile Microalgae: the potential for biotechnological application

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that use sunlight as an energy source, and convert water, carbon dioxide, and inorganic salts into algal biomass. The isolation and selection of microalgae, which allow one to obtain large amounts of biomass and valuable compounds, is a prerequisite for their successful industrial production. This work provides an overview of extremophile algae, where their ability to grow under harsh conditions and the corresponding accumulation of metabolites are addressed. Emphasis is placed on the high-value products of some prominent algae. Moreover, the most recent applications of these microorganisms and their potential exploitation in the context of astrobiology are taken into account.

Nutrient patterns and depressive symptoms among Australian adults

PURPOSE

Much of the current literature on the associations between diet and depression focus on single nutrients rather than nutrient patterns (NPs). We investigated the association between NPs and depressive symptoms (DepS) in an Australian adult population.

METHODS

DepS were examined at two different time points, in 2010 (Stage 3, n = 1743, 49.0% males) and 2015 [North West 2015 (NW15), n = 1,024, 46.6% males] of the North West Adelaide Health Study (NWAHS). Dietary habits were evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at Stage 3. DepS were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale at Stage 3 and NW15. Principal component analysis was used to identify NPs as well as the factor structure of the CES-D. Log- and negative binomial regression analyses were used to assess the association between NPs and DepS scores. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was undertaken between the NPs and identified factors of the CES-D score.

RESULTS

Three NPs (from the FFQ) and two-factors (from the CES-D score) were obtained. After adjusting for known confounding variables, a 'plant-sourced' NP (β-carotene, fibre, vitamin C, potassium and α-carotene) was inversely associated with DepS at Stage 3 [prevalence ratio (PR)_Q4VsQ1, 0.78; 95% CI 0.66-0.92; p = 0.003], whereas an 'animal-sourced' (ω-3 fatty acid, monounsaturated fat, vitamin E and cholesterol) or 'mixed-source' (phosphorous, protein, vitamin B2, iodine and zinc) NP was not associated with DepS. There was an inverse relationship between the 'plant-sourced' NP and the '(absence of) positive-affect' factor from the CES-D in both stages.

CONCLUSION

The 'plant-sourced' NP is consistently and inversely associated with DepS; however, longitudinal studies are recommended to confirm these results.

Dietary intake of carotenoids and fiber is inversely associated with aggression score in adolescent girls

BACKGROUND

Violence and aggression are considered to be important public health issues. There is limited data on the association between dietary intake and aggression score.

AIM

We aimed to examine the relationship between the dietary intake and aggressive behavior in Iranian adolescent girls.

METHODS

The study was carried out among 670 girls aged 12-18 years. A valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) containing 147 food items was used to estimate dietary intake of the study participants. Aggression score was determined using a validated Persian version of the Buss-Perry questionnaire. We analyzed our data using crude and adjusted models.

RESULTS

Participants in the fourth quartile of aggression score had significantly higher energy intake compared with those in the first quartile (2808±949 vs 2629±819, p-trend = 0.01). Dietary intakes of soluble fiber (0.42±0.37 vs 0.35±0.29, p = 0.03) and insoluble fiber (2.17±1.65 vs 1.82±1.36, p = 0.02) were significantly higher in the first quartile than in the fourth quartile. In addition, the strongest negative correlations were found between aggression score and dietary soluble fiber (p = 0.003) and insoluble fiber intake (p = 0.001). Moreover, aggression score was negatively correlated with dietary α-carotene (p = 0.02) and β-carotene (p = 0.04) intake. These associations remained significant even after adjustment for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that dietary intakes of fiber, α-carotene, and β-carotene were inversely associated with aggression score. Moreover, a significant positive association was observed between energy intake and aggression score in adolescent girls.

Dermal carotenoid measurement is inversely related to anxiety in patients with breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Increased oxidative stress and poor subjective health outcomes have been associated with increased risk of cancer recurrence and metastasis, but few studies until now have explored the relationship between oxidative stress and chronic stress/anxiety. This study aims to examine the association between anxiety and a potential dermal correlate of oxidative stress in patients with breast cancer. 102 breast cancer patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at Highland Hospital, a county hospital in Oakland, California. Each participant's skin carotenoid score (SCS), a potential dermal correlate of oxidative stress, was recorded via Raman spectroscopy. Patient demographics, breast cancer stage, and subjective health measures (anxiety and self-rated health) were ascertained. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to quantify any associations between SCS and the above health correlates. Higher levels of skin carotenoids were associated with decreased severity of anxiety, lower BMI, increased servings of vegetables/fruits in daily diet, Hispanic race, lower educational status, and nonsmoking status. Severity of anxiety as graded by the GAD-7 was inversely associated with dermal carotenoid measurements via SCS.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased levels of oxidative stress as quantified by SCS is associated with greater severity of anxiety. Because chronic stress has been associated with tumor progression, increased recurrence rates, and increased metastatic risk in breast cancer,non-invasive dermal carotenoid measurements could be used as a novel objective correlate of subjective health during cancer treatment.

In Silico Prediction of the Anti-Depression Mechanism of a Herbal Formula (Tiansi Liquid) Containing Morinda officinalis and Cuscuta chinensis

Purpose: Depression is a sickening psychiatric condition that is prevalent worldwide. To manage depression, the underlying modes of antidepressant effect of herbals are important to be explored for the development of natural drugs. Tiansi Liquid is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is prescribed for the management of depression, however its underlying mechanism of action is still uncertain. The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the pharmacological mode of action of a herbal formula used in TCM for the treatment of depression. Methods: Based on literature search, an ingredients-targets database was developed for Tiansi Liquid, followed by the identification of targets related to depression. The interaction between these targets was evaluated on the basis of protein-protein interaction network constructed by STITCH and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis using ClueGO plugin. Results: As a result of literature search, 57 components in Tiansi Liquid formula and 106 potential targets of these ingredients were retrieved. A careful screening of these targets led to the identification of 42 potential targets associated with depression. Ultimately, 327 GO terms were found by analysis of gene functional annotation clusters and abundance value of these targets. Most of these terms were found to be closely related to depression. A significant number of protein targets such as IL10, MAPK1, PTGS2, AKT1, APOE, PPARA, MAPK1, MIF, NOS3 and TNF-α were found to be involved in the functioning of Tiansi Liquid against depression. Conclusions: The findings elaborate that Tiansi Liquid can be utilized to manage depression, however, multiple molecular mechanisms of action could be proposed for this effect. The observed core mechanisms could be the sensory perception of pain, regulation of lipid transport and lipopolysaccharide-mediated signaling pathway.

Macular Carotenoid Supplementation Improves Visual Performance, Sleep Quality, and Adverse Physical Symptoms in Those with High Screen Time Exposure

The dramatic rise in the use of smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers over the past decade has raised concerns about potentially deleterious health effects of increased "screen time" (ST) and associated short-wavelength (blue) light exposure. We determined baseline associations and effects of 6 months' supplementation with the macular carotenoids (MC) lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin on the blue-absorbing macular pigment (MP) and measures of sleep quality, visual performance, and physical indicators of excessive ST. Forty-eight healthy young adults with at least 6 h of daily near-field ST exposure participated in this placebo-controlled trial. Visual performance measures included contrast sensitivity, critical flicker fusion, disability glare, and photostress recovery. Physical indicators of excessive screen time and sleep quality were assessed via questionnaire. MP optical density (MPOD) was assessed via heterochromatic flicker photometry. At baseline, MPOD was correlated significantly with all visual performance measures (p < 0.05 for all). MC supplementation (24 mg daily) yielded significant improvement in MPOD, overall sleep quality, headache frequency, eye strain, eye fatigue, and all visual performance measures, versus placebo (p < 0.05 for all). Increased MPOD significantly improves visual performance and, in turn, improves several undesirable physical outcomes associated with excessive ST. The improvement in sleep quality was not directly related to increases in MPOD, and may be due to systemic reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation.