Intake of key micronutrients and food groups in patients with late-stage age-related macular degeneration compared with age-sex-matched controls

Bamini Gopinath, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney
Gerald Liew, University of Sydney
Joanna Russell, University of Wollongong
Victoria F. Cosatto, University of Sydney
George Burlutsky, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney
Paul Mitchell, University of Sydney, University of Wollongong

Gopinath, B., Liew, G., Russell, J., Cosatto, V., Burlutsky, G. & Mitchell, P. (2016). Intake of key micronutrients and food groups in patients with late-stage age-related macular degeneration compared with age-sex-matched controls. British Journal of Ophthalmology, Online First 1-5.

Abstract

Background Knowledge of the risk factor profile of patients presenting with late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) could help identify the most frequent modifiable AMD precursors among people who are referred for treatment. We aimed to assess dietary behaviours by comparing adjusted mean intakes of micronutrients and major food groups (fruits, vegetables, fish) among patients with AMD and a sample of age- sex-matched controls. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of 480 late AMD cases and 518 population-based age-sex-matched controls with no AMD signs. AMD cases (aged 60+ years) were those presenting for treatment to a hospital eye clinic in Sydney, Australia, during 2012-2015. The comparator group were obtained from a cohort study (Blue Mountains Eye Study; Sydney, Australia) during 2002-2009. Dietary intake was assessed using a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. AMD lesions were assessed from retinal photographs. Results After multivariable adjustment, patients with late-stage AMD compared with controls had significantly lower intakes of vitamin E (7.4 vs 9.8 mg/day; p<0.0001), beta-carotene (6232 vs 7738 ¿g/day; p<0.0001), vitamin C (161 vs 184 mg/day; p=0.0002) and folate (498.3 vs 602 ¿g/day; p<0.0001); but had higher intakes of zinc (13.0 vs 11.9 mg/day; p<0.0001). A significantly lower proportion of patients with late AMD met the recommended intake of vegetables than controls: 52.9% versus 64.5%; p=0.0002. Conclusions This study showed significant differences in intakes of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, folate and vegetables between patients with late-stage AMD and healthy controls, and thus has provided a better understanding of the nutritional intake of patients presenting with advanced AMD.

 

Link to publisher version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2016-309490