Vitamin D Levels May Affect Macular Degeneration Risk
Vitamin D Levels May Affect Macular Degeneration Risk
April 11, 2011 -- Women younger than 75 who get sufficient vitamin D in their diets appear to have a reduced risk of a leading cause of blindness, new research indicates.
In the study, researchers say women under 75 who got the most vitamin D had a 59% decreased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, compared to women with the lowest vitamin D intake.
Researchers also found that the women who had a blood vitamin D level higher than 38 nmol/L had a 48% decreased risk of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A blood level of 50 nmol/L is considered sufficient, according to the Institute of Medicine.
The top food sources of vitamin D among women in the study were milk, fish, fortified margarine, and fortified cereal. No correlation was found between self-reported time in direct sunlight, which is also a source of vitamin D, and AMD.
Slideshow: Amazing Vitamin D, Nutrition's Newest Star
In the study, researchers say women under 75 who got the most vitamin D had a 59% decreased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, compared to women with the lowest vitamin D intake.
Researchers also found that the women who had a blood vitamin D level higher than 38 nmol/L had a 48% decreased risk of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A blood level of 50 nmol/L is considered sufficient, according to the Institute of Medicine.
The top food sources of vitamin D among women in the study were milk, fish, fortified margarine, and fortified cereal. No correlation was found between self-reported time in direct sunlight, which is also a source of vitamin D, and AMD.
Slideshow: Amazing Vitamin D, Nutrition's Newest Star
