February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month and in recognition of this, today’s post will examine recently published research regarding vitamin D intake and progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
A group of researchers from France and the US published a study in 2017 in which they examined the relationship between vitamin D intake and progression from early or intermediate AMD to advanced disease. All participants were part of a longer term longitudinal study of AMD, which began in 1998.
Over 2100 subjects were enrolled in this particular study. Average follow-up period was over nine years. Dietary intake was assessed from food frequency questionnaires which were completed by each participant. Ocular imaging was used to determine baseline AMD grade.
Upon conclusion of the study, researchers found that high dietary vitamin D intake was associated with a 40% lower risk of progression to advanced AMD.
It should be emphasized that the key element of the study was dietary vitamin D intake, and not supplements. Foods high in vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and herring. Other sources include egg yolks, oysters, and shrimp. Mushrooms are the only plant source of vitamin D. Wild mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D, while commercially grown mushrooms which are raised in the dark may not contain much vitamin D, unless they are treated with UV light.
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the US. It is estimated that approximately 1.75 million Americans age 40 and older suffer with macular degeneration. The World Health Organization ranks AMD as the third leading cause of blindness worldwide, after cataracts and glaucoma. AMD is characterized by the loss of the central field of vision. Risk factors for AMD include advanced age, smoking, high blood pressure, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Family history is also a factor.
Given the results of this interesting study, a diet with more vitamin D rich foods may be a consideration in those with early AMD.
(Source- Investigational Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Sept. 2017, Vol. 58, No. 11)
This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.