Current Projects

Determine the vitamin A equivalence of plant carotenoids in children, using deuterium-labeled spinach, Golden Rice, and pure beta-carotene.
Determine the vitamin A equivalence of spirulina in adults with and without vitamin A malnutrition.
Determine the vitamin A equivalence of yellow maize in adults in Zimbabwe.
Determine the bioavailability of lutein and zeaxanthin/capsanthin from peppers in humans.
Evaluate the effect of nutritional supplements on the progression of retinal disease.
Examine the relationship between serum levels of antioxidants and the presence of age-related maculopathy.
Determine the changes in macular pigment density of the eye and changes in antioxidant capacity in the circulation when consuming lutein with or without green tea extract.
Determine the major factors affecting antioxidant capacity in humans and to modify antioxidant capacity by supplementing with antioxidant nutrients.
Elucidate effects of bioactive plant-based foods on biological functions and genomic stability in humans.
Examine the functions of dipeptides as a quencher of cytotoxic carbonic compounds.
Determine the association between oxidative damage and liver dysfunction in HIV positive Hispanic drug abusers.
Evaluate the role of lipoprotein subpopulations in macular pigmentation.
Develop a database of individual levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in their major food sources in the U.S. diet.
Apply the lutein and zeaxanthin food database to determine their individual intakes in populations.
Determine the role of xanthophylls in cognitive function.

Current Projects

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