Summary
The L-ZIP trial is a double-masked, randomized controlled trial investigating whether prenatal maternal supplementation with 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin daily (via capsule in addition to standard prenatal vitamin) prevents carotenoid depletion during pregnancy and improves systemic and ocular carotenoid biomarkers in both mothers and infants. The study addresses a gap in evidence, as no prior prospective RCT has assessed carotenoid supplementation via prenatal vitamins and measured both maternal and infant ocular and systemic carotenoid status longitudinally across pregnancy.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in the United States (University of Utah) and may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom clinical practice, though the physiological mechanisms of carotenoid depletion during pregnancy and benefits for fetal retinal and brain development are likely to be universal. UK findings on the efficacy of carotenoid supplementation and optimal prenatal formulations could inform future guidance on micronutrient adequacy in UK prenatal care.
Key measures
Serum carotenoid levels (HPLC), skin carotenoid content (resonance Raman spectroscopy), macular pigment optical density, maternal and infant biomarkers of carotenoid status at baseline (first trimester), second trimester, third trimester, and 0–2 weeks postpartum
Outcomes reported
The study will measure maternal and infant serum, skin, and ocular carotenoid status (lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin) across pregnancy trimesters and postpartum using resonance Raman spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and macular pigment optical density assessment.
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