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. 2025 Apr 14;14(8):2668.
doi: 10.3390/jcm14082668.

Influence of Dietary Habits on Macular Pigment in Childhood

Víctor Ponce-García  1 , María-José Bautista-Llamas  1 , Marta-C García-Romera  1
Affiliations

Influence of Dietary Habits on Macular Pigment in Childhood

Víctor Ponce-García et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To analyze the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) values in a child population and to evaluate the relation between MPOD and adherence to the Mediterranean diet using a validated questionnaire specially created for children. Eighty-eight children were included in this cross-sectional study from two primary education schools of Seville (Spain). Methods: MPOD values were measured using Macular Pigment Screener II ®. Lutein and Zeaxanthin intake was evaluated by KIDMED questionnaire, which classifies children according to adherence to the Mediterranean diet. A whole ocular exam with slit-lamp biomicroscopy was conducted by a specialized optometrist. Results: The mean age ranged between 6 and 8 years. The mean MPOD value was 0.46 ± 0.18. The mean score of the KIDMED questionnaire was 7.19 ± 1.85. No statistically significant differences were found as a function of gender or among Mediterranean diet adherence groups. No significant differences in MPOD values between answers were found in any KIDMED questions. No correlations were found for MPOD with several variables, such as Mediterranean diet adherence and KIDMED score. Conclusions: MPOD levels in children could not be correlated with Mediterranean Diet adherence and, thus, good dietary habits. Genetic characteristics, mother's diet habits, oxidative stress, and body fat composition in children could be the main factors influencing MPOD levels.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet; children; lutein; macular carotenoids; macular pigment; zeaxanthin.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Macular pigment optical density values categorized according to Mediterranean diet ad-herence as a function of gender. MPOD: macular pigment optical density.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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