[Dietary fat intake and incidence of cataracts: The SUN Prospective study in the cohort of Navarra, Spain].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate prospectively the association between dietary fat intake and the incidence of cataracts in participants from the SUN cohort.


METHODS
Among 12308 men and women, initially free of cataracts and followed-up for up to 6 years, we identified 182 incident cases of cataracts. Fatty acids intake was assessed by a validated 136-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle, health-related habits and information about medical conditions were also collected. Incident cases of cataract were ascertained by self-reports using a biennale questionnaire.


RESULTS
Participants belonging to the highest category of omega-6 fatty acids intake had a non-significantly reduced risk of cataracts in the model adjusted for potential confounders but not for other fatty acids (adjusted OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.33, 1.03). When all types of fatty acids (saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated omega-6 and polyunsaturated omega-3) were included simultaneously in the same multivariable model, this inverse association became significant (adjusted OR: 0.54 95%CI: 0.29, 0.99). There were no significant associations between other dietary fats and the risk of cataracts.


CONCLUSIONS
High intake of omega-6 fatty acids showed a modest but significant inverse association with the development of cataracts.
Martínez-Lapiscina
Elena H
EH
Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, España.
Martínez-González
Miguel Angel
MA
Guillén Grima
Francisco
F
Olmo Jiménez
Natalia
N
Zarranz-Ventura
Javier
J
Moreno-Montañés
Javier
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013030:Spain
D004041:Dietary Fats