Effects of Goji vs. Fiber on Macular Degeneration

The goal of this project is to conduct a clinical trial in 60 participants ranging from age 65-95 who are at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study will evaluate the effects of 14g of goji berry intake or an equivalent amount and type of fiber, five days a week for six months, on visual health, gut microbiome profiles, skin carotenoid measures, and lipoprotein profiles.

Inclusion Criteria: * Family history of AMD * Hyperlipidemia or managed diabetes * 65 - 95 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * Dislike of, or allergy to, goji berries or any of the ingredients in the fiber-rich wafers and gummies (wheat, corn, oats, soy, natural orange flavor, xylitol, annatto, pectin, or other food ingredients) * Consumption of \> 2 alcoholic drinks per day * Indications of substance or alcohol abuse * Current or planned use of a blood thinner (e.g., Coumadin, Warfarin) at any time during study * Use of multi-vitamin or any other supplements that contain lutein and/or zeaxanthin (if willing to stop the supplement, subject can be enrolled 6 months from stop date) * Taking any new medications started within the past 6 months, or changes in medication regimen planned in the next 6 months (stable use greater than 6 months is not exclusionary) * Any planned international travel during the study * Consuming \>3 servings/day of a combination of spinach, kale, lettuce, orange bell peppers, corn, parsley, squash, broccoli, pumpkin, edamame * Regularly consuming \>3 eggs/day * Currently participating in any other interventional research study * Diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, other gastrointestinal disorder, undergoing cancer therapy or immunocompromised, or diagnosis of another condition where lutein, zeaxanthin and/or fiber supplementation would be contraindicated or would interfere with ability to participate in the study * Any physical characteristic or condition that precludes ability to perform study procedures * Medical or psychiatric condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would compromise study findings or prevent the participant from completing the study