Association Between Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intake on Consumer Eye Health Status

초록

This study examines the association between lutein and zeaxanthin intake and perceived eye health status among Korean adults, where eye-health-related functional foods are widely consumed but empirical evidence remains limited. Using nationally representative survey data from 2,427 individuals aged 19 years and older, we employ propensity score matching (PSM) to address potential selection bias arising from non-random supplement use. Propensity scores are estimated using a logistic regression model that includes sociodemographic characteristics, health and medical characteristics, lifestyle factors, and dietary behaviors. Nearest-neighbor and kernel matching methods are applied to estimate the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT), which is interpreted as an adjusted association between intake and perceived eye health status. The results indicate statistically significant and positive associations between lutein and zeaxanthin intake and self-reported change in perceived eye health status over the past year. The estimated ATT ranges from 0.39 to 0.47 points on an 11-point scale ranging from −5 to +5, suggesting a modest but meaningful association. Subgroup analyses reveal relatively larger associations among women, non-metropolitan residents, and individuals with limited awareness of health functional foods, whereas no statistically significant association is observed among respondents with prior eye-related disease. These findings suggest that lutein and zeaxanthin intake is associated with more favorable self-reported perceived eye health status, particularly as a preventive or supportive measure rather than a therapeutic intervention. However, the results should be interpreted with caution, as the outcome variable is based on self-reported assessments rather than objective ophthalmologic measurements, reverse causality cannot be fully excluded given the contemporaneous measurement of treatment and outcome, and unobserved confounding may remain despite matching. Overall, this study demonstrates the usefulness of PSM in evaluating the potential benefits of health functional foods using observational data.

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