Researchers have found that specific nutrients in the diet may have a significant impact on the progression of geographic atrophy (GA) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to new data presented at the 2024 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). GA is a form of advanced AMD characterized by the degeneration of cells in the macula, leading to central vision loss. Elvira Agron, MS, DECA, and colleagues from the National Eye Institute investigated the association between dietary nutrient intake and GA progression towards the central macula.
Out of the 347 participants included in the study, a total of 413 eyes with non-central geographic atrophy (GA) were analyzed. Among these eyes, GA was already present in 88 cases, while it occurred incidentally in 326 cases. The researchers identified specific nutrients that were strongly associated with a reduction in GA progression. These nutrients included lutein/zeaxanthin, β-carotene, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Participants with the highest intake of these nutrients showed significantly slower GA progression compared to those with lower intake levels.
• Comparisons between the highest and lowest intake cohorts demonstrated significantly slower GA progression per year for zinc (34.8 vs. 45.5 µm/y), β-carotene (29.8 vs. 46.6 µm/y), lutein/zeaxanthin (32.9 vs. 47.5 µm/y), and EPA (35.5 vs. 43.7 µm/y).
• higher intake levels of lutein/zeaxanthin, β-carotene, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids were associated with slower GA progression towards the FCP. These nutrients are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect retinal cells from degeneration.
• Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, did not show a strong association with decreased GA progression. This suggests that specific nutrients within the diet may have a more significant impact on AMD progression than overall dietary patterns.
The findings highlight the potential role of dietary nutrients in slowing GA progression in AMD. Patients with non-central GA may benefit from dietary advice targeting specific nutrients, such as lutein/zeaxanthin, β-carotene, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, to potentially alter the natural course of the disease. Further research is needed to explore the efficacy of nutrient-rich diets as part of AMD management strategies.
Reference:
Agron E, Keenan TDL, Vitale S, Chew EY. Associations between Dietary Nutrient Intake and Geographic Atrophy Progression towards the Central Macula. Poster presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2024 Meeting, May 5–9, 2024.