Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

Lutein belongs to a group of compounds called xanthophylls, which are oxygenated carotenoids related to beta-carotene.  In humans and many other species including non-human primates, quail, and frogs, lutein is highly concentrated in the macula, a small area of the retina responsible for central vision and high visual acuity. There is evidence suggesting that lutein may reduce the risk for developing cataracts and macular degeneration in humans and that it may slow the progression once disease is present.

In zoos and aquariums, marine mammal diets consist of only a few species of fish and squid whereas wild marine mammals consume a much more varied diet which gives them access to dietary carotenoids.  Slifka et al (1998) reported low concentrations of lutein in the serum of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins but detected none in captive held dolphins.  Similarly, no lutein was detected in the serum of captive California sea lions, walrus or harbor seals, but wild conspecifics have not been evaluated.  Cataracts and ocular disease are common lesions of captive marine mammals and marine birds and there is considerable interest in mechanisms by which the incidence of cataracts may be reduced.  Given the beneficial effects of lutein in human ocular health, it was hypothesized that lutein may confer protection to marine mammals as well.  However, the first step in evaluating this hypothesis is to examine if marine mammals can absorb dietary lutein.  Mystic Aquarium currently houses five species of marine mammals and rehabilitates an additional 3 species of seals.  This pilot study proposes to evaluate the ability of several marine mammal species to absorb lutein.