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Is Ultra-Processed Food Intake Associated with a Higher Risk of Glaucoma? A Prospective Cohort Study including 19,255
José Francisco López-Gil1, Alejandro Fernandez-Montero2,3,4, Maira Bes-Rastrollo4,5,6
1One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador.
Nutrients
|April 13, 2024
Summary
High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is linked to an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Limiting UPFs may help prevent glaucoma incidence.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Ophthalmology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) represent a significant portion of modern diets.
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
- The impact of UPF intake on glaucoma incidence requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ultra-processed food consumption and the risk of developing glaucoma.
- To analyze this relationship in a large, prospective cohort of Spanish university graduates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study with 19,225 participants followed for a mean of 12.9 years.
- Dietary intake assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire.
- Glaucoma diagnosis self-reported and previously validated.
Main Results:
- Higher UPF consumption was associated with an increased risk of glaucoma (HR=1.83).
- The association was significant in older participants (≥55 years), men, and those with a lower omega-3:6 ratio.
- Sweets, a category of UPFs, showed a significant risky effect (HR=1.51).
Conclusions:
- Increased ultra-processed food intake is associated with a higher risk of glaucoma.
- Reducing UPF consumption may be a strategy for glaucoma prevention.
- Further research into specific UPF components and glaucoma risk is warranted.
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