Dec 01 2008

Vitamin D May Protect Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Published by at 8:27 pm under Macular degeneration,Nutrition,Prevention & Wellness

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.

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