Carbohydrate nutrition is associated with changes in the retinal vascular structure and branching pattern in children

Abstract

Greater consumption of carbohydrates and soft drinks was associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing and venular widening. Because these microvascular signs have been shown to be markers of future cardiovascular disease risk, the presence of this risk factor in children could support the need for healthy dietary patterns that include lower consumption of high-GI foods and soft drinks.

Dairy food consumption, blood pressure and retinal microcirculation in adolescents

“…Covariates that were found to be significantly associated with retinal vessel caliber [19] were included in multivariable models: age, sex, ethnicity, total energy intake, axial length of the eye, BMI, MABP and fellow vessel caliber (i.e. venular caliber adjusted in model for arteriolar caliber and vice versa).…”

Effect of Axial Eye Length on Retinal Vessel Parameters in 6 to 12-Year-Old Malay Girls

“…As fractal dimension is a ratio, rather than an absolute measurement, it is not affected by the effect of magnification [37]. Retinal fractal dimensions have previously been shown to be affected by blood pressure [15] and nutrition [38], but not by body mass index [39]. Smaller retinal fractal dimensions have been observed in children with higher blood pressure, leading researchers to hypothesize that this change may reflect rarefaction of the microvasculature [15].…”

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviors, and Retinal Vascular Caliber in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

“…28 In this study, we examined the associations of physical activity, TV viewing time, and time spent playing computer and video games with retinal vascular caliber in a cohort of Australian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. We hypothesized that more time spent engaging in sedentary behaviors and lower levels of physical activity would be associated with alterations in retinal vascular caliber.…”