May 20, 2007 "The present study conducted in a large, representative sample of the US population provides evidence for inverse associations between AMD and higher serum vitamin D levels and higher intake of milk," wrote Niyati Parekh. Milk is fortified with vitamin D in the US.
The University of the Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reports that increased levels of vitamin D may be associated with a reduced prevalence of early Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and focused on 7,752 individuals (including 11 per cent with AMD) seen as representative of the general U.S. population. As with the AREDS study, subjects had photographs taken of their retinas, questionnaires assessed dietary intakes, and blood samples were taken to calculate blood vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels.
When participants were split into five groups based on the level of vitamin D in the blood, those in the highest group had a 40 per cent lower risk of early AMD than those in the lowest group.
The researchers speculated that the beneficial effects of vitamin D might be via an anti-inflammatory effect or by preventing the growth of new blood vessels in the retina, which contributes to some forms of age-related macular degeneration.
Source: Archives of Ophthalmology
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information presented is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment from your own doctor or healthcare provider. Nothing presented here is intended as a substitute for prescription medication or any other medical treatment prescribed by your doctor.