Consumption of foods rich in polyphenols and age-related macular degeneration: the Alienor study

Abstract

Purpose: Epidemiological studies have provided evidence for beneficial effects of food rich in polyphenols on several chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers and diabetes but few studies have examined the associations between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polyphenol consumption.<br /> Objective: to examine the associations between consumption of foods rich in polyphenols and AMD, in a population-based study of French elderly subjects.

Methods: The Alienor study is a population-based study on age-related eye diseases performed in 963 elderly (≥73 years) residents of Bordeaux (France). AMD was graded in 2006-2008 from non mydriatic color retinal photographs in three exclusive stages: no AMD (n=450 subjects with complete data, 964 eyes); large soft distinct drusen and/or large soft indistinct drusen and/or reticular drusen and/or pigmentary abnormalities (early AMD, n=187, 259 eyes); late AMD (n=40, 60 eyes). Frequency of consumption of broad categories of foods, drinks and preferred dietary fats used for dressing, cooking or spreading were recorded in 1999-2000. For each food or fat intake, two categories were defined: “less than daily consumption”, “daily consumption”. Associations between AMD and each dietary item were estimated using Generalized Estimating Equation logistic regressions.

Results: After adjustment for age, gender, educational level, smoking, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, physical activity, total energy intake, long-chain omega 3 intake, CFH Y402H and ARMS2 A69S polymorphisms, daily consumption of olive oil was significantly associated with a decreased risk of late AMD (odds ratio [OR]=0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.15-0.67). Early AMD was not associated with daily consumption of olive oil (OR=0.88, 95%CI: 0.62-1.26). Early and late AMD were not associated with daily intake of fruits and vegetables, red wine, chocolate, tea or coffee.

Conclusions: This study suggests a protective role for olive oil consumption for late AMD in this elderly community-dwelling population.