The Relationship between Dietary Calcium and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Background: Mineral element supplements are widely used in the older adult population. However, little is known of their impact on the progression of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). The aim of this study was to examine the association between dietary micronutrients and ARMD in older adults. Methods: We enrolled 5227 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2005–2008) in this cross-sectional study. ARMD was evaluated using an ophthalmic digital imaging system and digital camera. Mineral element consumption was collected using a 24-hour dietary recall. The association between mineral element use and the presence of ARMD was determined by multivariable logistic regression. Results: After adjusting for relevant variables, dietary calcium was negatively associated with ARMD (OR: 680, 95%CI: 0.482–0.960). In contrast to dietary form, serum concentration of calcium was not associated with ARMD. Moreover, increased dietary calcium was associated with reduced ARMD (OR: 0.684, 95%CI: 0.468–1.000). Conclusion: A lower consumption of dietary calcium was significantly associated with a higher risk of ARMD. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to explore these findings.