Age and genetic predisposition influence the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But there are certain risk factors such as tobacco and diet on which it is possible to act to prevent this pathology. Researchers from Inserm-Bordeaux are interested in the role of diet in reducing the risk of developing AMD.
This disease, associated with damage to the central area of the retina (macula), leads to a gradual loss of fine vision.
The researchers started from the postulate that certain nutrients mainly provided by the diet, such as omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin are concentrated in the retina. “Many studies show that these nutrients reduce the risk of developing an AMD, explains Bénédicte Merle, co-author of this work on the website of Inserm. We wanted to go further by focusing on the overall diet rather than on isolated nutrients. Can we find this protective effect depending on whether the diet adopted is more or less close to the mediterranean diet, rich in nutrients that preserve the macula? “
The Bordeaux researchers examined data from two studies on 5,000 people over the age of 55 who were more or less adept at the Mediterranean diet, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, olive oil and fatty fish. They found, by comparing the incidence of AMD in each group, that the risk of developing AMD was reduced by 41% in people with the food is very strongly Mediterranean, compared to others.
A biomarker for the right nutrients in the blood
On the strength of this result, the scientists plan to develop a biomarker that would make it possible to establish the necessary intakes of certain nutrients to preserve the retina. “It would indeed be possible, like cholesterol for cardiovascular risk, to monitor people at risk of AMD, along with nutritional recommendations to maintain a level of this biomarker compatible with good eye health”, concludes Bénédicte Merle.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in people over 50. It affects nearly one in 5 people over the age of 80.
The Mediterranean diet is said to have other health benefits. He could reduce the risk of osteoporosis, the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, or improve mood, as British researchers showed in October 2018.
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