Effects of Lutein Supplementation on Cognition and MPOD in Multiple Sclerosis Patients-

Lutein and Multiple Sclerosis Experimental Study (LuMES)

The central hypothesis is that lutein supplementation will improve MPOD and cognition. Accordingly, the specific aims are to 1) to determine the process feasibility associated with participating in 4-month lutein supplementation trial; and 2) to investigate the scientific feasibility of 4-month daily lutein supplementation on biological markers of lutein status and cognitive function among persons with MS.

A two-group parallel design will be employed whereby participants will be randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. The supplementation doses 20mg/d (Group 1), and placebo (Group 2) will be consumed daily by the participant for a 4-month period. Pre-test and follow-up measures of lutein status and cognitive function will be assessed at baseline and at 4-month follow-up via laboratory visits.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-64.9 years
• Self-reported relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) diagnosis
• Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 0-3.5
• Macular Pigment Optical Density at baseline (MPOD ≤0.35)
• Score ≤55 during the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)
• 20/20 or corrected vision
• No presence of color blindness
• No history of age-related macular degeneration
• No history of epileptic seizures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under 18 years or over 64.9 years
• MS diagnosis other than RRMS
• Pregnancy
• Uncorrected vision
• Presence of color blindness
• PDDS score of 7 or more
• Prior diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration
• History of epileptic seizures