Incorporation of lutein and docosahexaenoic acid from dietary microalgae into the retina in quail

Abstract

Lutein and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Since microalgae are potent natural sources of these nutrients, their nutritional value should be evaluated based on the bioavailability of lutein and DHA for the retina via the plasmatic compartment. In this study, quail were fed for 5 months either with a diet supplemented or deprived with microalgae rich in lutein and DHA. In the microalgae-fed group, the retinal concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin gradually increased whereas in plasma, these compounds started to increase from the first month of supplementation. We also observed a significant increase in retinal and plasmatic levels of DHA in the microalgae-fed group. In conclusion, the plasmatic and retinal contents of lutein and DHA were significantly increased in quail fed with lutein- and DHA-rich microalgae. Food fortification with microalgae may be an innovative way to increase lutein and DHA consumption in humans.

• Age-related macular degeneration
• DHA
• lutein
• microalgae
• quail
• retina

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the French public institution OSEO for their generous financial support in the ALGOHUB® Program. The authors gratefully acknowledge Stéphane Grégoire, Lucy Martine, Camille Boroch and Jean-Yves Madec for their technical support.

Declaration of interest

Clémentine Thabuis, Blandine Baert and Bertrand Rodriguez work for ROQUETTE. Adeline Mathiaud and Anne Bourdillon work for Sanders. Other authors declare no conflict of interest. All authors designed the quail study and contributed to the drafting of the article. C. B. S., E. C. and J. M. L. interpreted and shaped the results. N. A. and L. B. quantified carotenoid levels and determined fatty acid profiles. P. P. and F. D. performed the quail study and collected blood and retina samples. C. T. and B. B. manufactured and supplied microalgae. A. B. and A. M. manufactured and supplied the diet formula for quail. The authors report no conflicts of interest. This study was financially supported by the French public institution OSEO for the ALGOHUB® Program. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.