Feb
21
2010
A 2007 study showed the low levels of Vitamin D3 is linked to an increase in the pevalence of macular degeneration.
Ref: Parekh N, Chappell RJ, Millen AE, Albert DM, Mares JA. Association Between Vitamin D and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 Through 1994. Arch Ophthalmol. May 2007;125: 661-669.
Editor’s Note: For more related studies on nutrition and macular degeneration, go to www.naturaleyecare.com/studies_bydisease.asp?s_num=8&disease=Macular+Degeneration
Dec
01
2008
Researchers using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988 through 1994) have found evidence that consuming vitamin D may help ward off age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
In this study, 7752 individuals (including 11% with AMD) were given retinal photographs, dietary intake questionnaires, and blood tests to calculate blood vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels. Based on these vitamin D blood levels, participants were divided into 5 groups. Participants in the group with the highest vitamin D levels showed 40% lower risk of developing early AMD than those in the lowest group.
Analysis was also conducted to evaluate associations with important food and supplemental sources of vitamin D.
- People who drank milk daily decreased their risk of developing AMD, as did those who took supplemental vitamin D consistently but didn’t drink milk daily.
- Fish consumption was also linked with a lower risk of advanced AMD.
What are good sources of vitamin D? Consider fish — it’s naturally rich in vitamin D. Milk and breakfast cereals are generally fortified with vitamin D as well.
Read more about AMD
Learn tips for taking vitamins and maintaining good digestion
SOURCE: “Association between vitamin D and age-related macular degeneration in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey”, Parekh N, et al. Arch of Ophthalmol 125:661-69, 2007.
