Nutrient intake and risk of open-angle glaucoma: the Rotterdam Study

Abstract

Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Apart from an increased intraocular pressure (IOP), oxidative stress and an impaired ocular blood flow are supposed to contribute to OAG. The aim of this study was to determine whether the dietary intake of nutrients that either have anti-oxidative properties (carotenoids, vitamins, and flavonoids) or influence the blood flow (omega fatty acids and magnesium) is associated with incident OAG. We investigated this in a prospective population-based cohort, the Rotterdam Study. A total of 3502 participants aged 55 years and older for whom dietary data at baseline and ophthalmic data at baseline and follow-up were available and who did not have OAG at baseline were included. The ophthalmic examinations comprised measurements of the IOP and perimetry; dietary intake of nutrients was assessed by validated questionnaires and adjusted for energy intake. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was applied to calculate hazard ratios of associations between the baseline intake of nutrients and incident OAG, adjusted for age, gender, IOP, IOP-lowering treatment, and body mass index. During an average follow-up of 9.7 years, 91 participants (2.6%) developed OAG. The hazard ratio for retinol equivalents (highest versus lowest tertile) was 0.45 (95% confidence interval 0.23–0.90), for vitamin B1 0.50 (0.25–0.98), and for magnesium 2.25 (1.16–4.38). The effects were stronger after the exclusion of participants taking supplements. Hence, a low intake of retinol equivalents and vitamin B1 (in line with hypothesis) and a high intake of magnesium (less unambiguous to interpret) appear to be associated with an increased risk of OAG.

The relation between dietary intake and glaucoma: a systematic review

“…; Ramdas et al. ). However, one study reported a protective effect of alpha‐carotene on glaucoma (≥400 vs. <200 μ g OR [95% CI]: 0.45 [0.23–0.88]; p‐trend=0.021), but not for other carotenoids (Giaconi et al.…”

“…However, no significant association between dietary calcium intake and OAG was found (Ramdas et al. ).…”

“…Magnesium has similar effects as calcium channel blockers and competes with calcium and phosphorus; however, no significant interaction between these nutrients was found (Ramdas et al. ).…”

Hypothesis-independent pathway analysis implicates GABA and Acetyl-CoA metabolism in primary open-angle glaucoma and normal-pressure glaucoma

“…Pyruvate dehydrogenase (lipoamide) beta ( PBHB ), responsible for converting pyruvate to a thiamine precursor, was significantly associated ( p < 0.001) with NPG providing support for a role of thiamine biosynthesis in optic nerve degeneration in glaucoma. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) intake has also been shown to be associated with a reduced risk of POAG (Ramdas et al 2012). …”

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers in Eye Health and Disease

“…Higher dietary intake of fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids (46, 58) has been associated with lower glaucoma occurrence in two observational studies, but two other studies did not find an association (85, 150). Interindividual variability in the absorption and retinal capture of L and Z is high and may explain the lack of associations with dietary intake.…”