Association Between Vitamin D and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 Through 1994

Abstract

To evaluate the associations between levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) in serum and prevalent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods and Design: Cross-sectional associations of serum vitamin D and early and advanced AMD, assessed from nonmydriatic fundus photographs, were evaluated in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a multistage nationally representative probability sample of noninstitutionalized individuals (N=7752; 11% with AMD). Results: Levels of serum vitamin D were inversely associated with early AMD but not advanced AMD. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for early AMD among participants in the highest vs lowest quintile of serum vitamin D was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.5-0.8; P trend Ͻ.001). Exploratory analyses were conducted to evaluate associations with important food and supplemental sources of vitamin D. Milk intake was inversely associated with early AMD (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9). Fish intake was inversely associated with advanced AMD (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9). Consistent use vs nonuse of vitamin D from supplements was inversely associated with early AMD only in individuals who did not consume milk daily (early AMD: OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that vitamin D may protect against AMD. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Biology of gait control

“…This result corroborates with the observation that calcitriol may protect against age-related macular degeneration in humans. 31 The influence of vitamin D on the neurofeedback components could therefore explain in part the involvement of vitamin D in postural and gait control. Nevertheless, we found an association between STV and serum vitamin D status in spite of the adjustment on lower limb proprioception, standing postural sways, and visual acuity.…”

Review of nutrient actions on age-related macular degeneration

“…The specific effect that vitamin D has on AMD was investigated because of the anti-inflammatory properties found in vitamin D. The results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study showed an association between the plasma levels of vitamin D and early AMD, with no association reported for advanced AMD [49]. [51].…”

Nutrition and the Eye

“…There have been only a few observational studies regarding the role of vitamin D in ameliorating AMD risk [134] (Figures 40-42 (Figure 40). There was no effect of serum levels of vitamin D on the appearance of pigment abnormalities or advanced AMD (Figure 40).…”