Carotenoid Supplementation During Pregnancy

This study is designed to test the hypotheses that (1) the third trimester of pregnancy is a period of maternal systemic and ocular carotenoid depletion; (2) prenatal supplementation with 6.0 milligrams of lutein and 0.5 milligrams of zeaxanthin will have significant effects on ocular and systemic biomarkers of maternal and infant carotenoid status relative to a matched, standard-of-care prenatal supplement without added lutein and zeaxanthin; and (3) newborn infants with the highest systemic and ocular carotenoid status will have more mature foveal structure. Mothers will be enrolled in the study during their first trimester, and will take the study carotenoid or control supplements for 6 to 8 months. The final study outcome measurements of mothers and infants will be completed within two weeks of the baby's birth.