zzdp2002

Profile

Profile profile for zzdp2002

Photo: 
Job title: 
Senior Scientist Howard Fellow
Eurocaroten role: 
Management Committee Substitute
First name: 
David
Last name: 
Phelan
Short research description: 

The carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) accumulate at the central retina, the macula, where they are collectively known as macular pigment (MP). The distinctive yellow colour of this pigment is due to the conjugated double bonds of the carotenoids. MP, via its antioxidant and light-filtering properties is believed to protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD, the leading cause of blindness in developed countries), and has been shown to enhance visual performance in retinas with (e.g. AMD) and free of retinal disease. While L and Z are naturally present in a variety of foods (e.g. spinach, peppers and eggs) MZ is not found in these foods, but has been detected in trout (flesh and skin), sardines, salmon, shrimp, and turtle fat, albeit in low concentrations. However, although MZ is present in low concentrations in diet, it contributes one third of MP concentration. This observation raises a number of questions. Are there other dietary sources of MZ which have not been identified to date? Where does MZ come from (diet, L, both)? What mechanism is responsible for the conversion of L to MZ? What role does this carotenoid play at the macula? This project (The Waterford MZ Project) is studying the origin of MZ. By studying this carotenoid in different food groups and tissues, we have identified and developed extraction and analytical techniques that facilitate the analysis of MZ. Here we present data showing the presence of this carotenoid in food (e.g. fish), commercially available supplements, and in chicken eyes. Future work on this project will use these protocols to fully explore the origin of MZ, whether dietary or exclusively generated at the macula following isomerisation of L, as previously postulated.

Techniques routinely used: 
HPLC, UV, GC, Centrigugation, chemical extraction and analysis of foods and other matrices.
Instrumentation/Facilities: 
HPLC, GC, UV, Centrifuge, Rotavap
Country: 
Ireland
City: 
Waterford
Institution: 
Waterford Institute of Technology
Department: 
Health Science
Address: 

Nutrition Research centre Ireland
Carriganore House
Waterford Institute of Technology
West Campus, Carriganore,
Waterford, Ireland.
Tel: +353 51 845525/ +353 86 6041941

Zip Code: 
X91 K236
Phone: 
Tel: +353 51 845525/ +353 86 6041941
Matrix: 
Foods
Microorganisms
Waste
Plants
Gender: 
Male
WG option 1: 
WG3
WG option 2: 
WG4
Scientific approach: 
Applied
Areas: 
Agro-food
Aquaculture
Health
Nutrition
Production
Other keywords: 
Analysis
Applications
Bioavailability
Food Quality
Functional Foods
Processing
STMS hosting: 
No
Meetings hosting: 
No

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