Vegetables, fruit, fish can help reduce risk of AMD

US study confirms findings on diet

A recent publication in the American Journal of ophthalmology reaffirms key messages about the importance of diet in reducing risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The findings are also consistent with other studies on dietary patterns and AMD.

The publication was written from research undertaken from the Rotterdam Study, a population-based study which involved the participation of 4202 people, 55 years or older with no AMD at the commencement of the study, who were then followed over an average period of 9 years.

The aim of the study was to identify a diet that is protective for age-related macular degeneration and that includes general healthy dietary guidelines recommended by health organisations.

Information about participants’ food intake was obtained using a 170-item food questionnaire with food intake being categorised into different food combinations.

The study particularly focused on foods containing nutrients (lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids) that have well-established associations with AMD, but also included other potentially healthy food categories. The researchers assessed adherence of food intake for each food category, and the frequency of each food intake was recorded as times per day, per week or per month.

Intake of fish (twice a week) was associated with a reduced risk of AMD by 24%, which remained significant after additional adjustments for smoking, hypertension, Body Mass Index (BMI), education and income. With respect to food combinations, it was found that vegetables, fruit and fish were associated with a significant reduction in the risk of AMD. Other food combinations did not show a significant association with AMD.

In discussing the implications of their findings, the researchers indicated that there is good dietary advice that can be given to those at risk of AMD. A diet which includes eating fish twice a week and a daily intake of fruits and vegetables can help reduce risk of AMD. 

Source: Twice weekly fish intake reduces risk of AMD

Journal: de Koning-Backus A et al. Intake of vegetables, fruit and fish is beneficial for age-related macular degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol. 2019–

Posted: April 2019