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Vitamin supplement use and incident cataracts in a population-based study
J A Mares-Perlman1, B J Lyle, R Klein
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, 610 N Walnut St, 460 WARF, Madison, WI 53705-2397, USA. maresp@epi.ophth.wisc.edu.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|November 14, 2000
Summary
Long-term vitamin supplement use, particularly multivitamins or those with vitamins C and E for over 10 years, was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing cataracts. This protective effect was observed for nuclear and cortical cataracts but not posterior subcapsular types.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cataracts are a leading cause of vision impairment globally.
- The role of nutritional factors, including vitamin supplements, in cataract development is an area of ongoing research.
- Previous studies have suggested potential links between vitamin intake and cataract risk, but long-term effects require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the use of vitamin supplements and the incidence of different types of cataracts over a 5-year period.
- To analyze the relationship between the duration and type of vitamin supplement consumption and cataract development in a population-based cohort.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study was conducted in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, involving participants aged 43-86 years.
- Cataract incidence (nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular) was assessed using slitlamp and retroillumination photography over a 5-year follow-up period.
- Detailed information on vitamin supplement use (type, dosage, duration) was collected via in-person interviews.
Main Results:
- Long-term use (over 10 years) of multivitamins or supplements containing vitamins C or E was associated with a 60% lower risk of any cataract compared to non-users.
- Multivitamin use for over 10 years significantly reduced the risk of nuclear and cortical cataracts, but not posterior subcapsular cataracts.
- Shorter durations of supplement use showed no significant association with reduced cataract risk. Lifestyle and dietary factors did not confound these associations.
Conclusions:
- Long-term vitamin supplement use, especially multivitamins and those with vitamins C and E, appears to be associated with a reduced risk of cataract development.
- The findings support a body of evidence suggesting a protective role for vitamin supplements in preventing certain types of cataracts.
- Further research is needed to identify specific responsible nutrients and to rule out unmeasured confounding factors.