Goji berry effects on macular characteristics and plasma antioxidant levels.
Bucheli, Vidal, Shen, et al. Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry, 2011.
Study design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in healthy older adults aged 65 to 70 years. A milk-based goji formulation (Lacto-Wolfberry) at 13.7 g/d (n = 75) or placebo (n = 75) for 90 days.
- The placebo group showed hypopigmentation and accumulation of soft drusen in the macula, while the wolfberry group remained stable.
- Plasma zeaxanthin levels rose by 26% in the wolfberry group.
- Plasma antioxidant capacity rose by 57%, and did not change in the placebo group.
- There were no product-related adverse effects; the mechanism is unclear because changes in zeaxanthin did not correlate with changes in the macula.
What it means for your product: The most relevant clinical evidence for an eye health positioning in older adults. What was tested was a branded milk formulation, so the results do not automatically apply to other products.









