Fat consumption and its association with age-related macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate associations between past dietary fat intake and the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


METHODS
Six thousand seven hundred thirty-four participants aged 58 to 69 years in 1990-1994 took part in this cohort study. Participants' nutrient intakes were estimated from a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. At follow-up from 2003 to 2006, digital macula photographs of both eyes were evaluated for early and late AMD signs. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios, with adjustment for age, smoking, and other potential confounders.


RESULTS
Higher trans-unsaturated fat intake was associated with an increased prevalence of late AMD; the odds ratio comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of trans fat was 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.92-3.37; P = .02). Higher omega-3 fatty acid intake (highest quartile vs lowest quartile) was inversely associated with early AMD (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.02; P = .03). Olive oil intake (> or =100 mL/week vs <1 mL/week) was associated with decreased prevalence of late AMD (odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-1.04; P = .03). No significant associations with AMD were observed for intakes of fish, total fat, butter, or margarine.


CONCLUSIONS
A diet low in trans-unsaturated fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil may reduce the risk of AMD.
Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. elaine.chong@eyeandear.org.au
Elaine W-T
EW
Chong
Luibov D
LD
Robman
Julie A
JA
Simpson
Allison M
AM
Hodge
Khin Zaw
KZ
Aung
Theresa K
TK
Dolphin
Dallas R
DR
English
Graham G
GG
Giles
Robyn H
RH
Guymer
D000368:Aged; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010781:Photography; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids