Macular degeneration is a painless eye condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision (the ability to see what is directly in front of you). Macular degeneration occurs when the macula (the part of the eye that is responsible for central vision) is unable to function as effectively as it used to.
Approximately 9 percent of Americans aged 40 and older are suffering from macular degeneration. According to a recent study of a University at Buffalo, US, it seems there is a link between vitamin D level and age-related macular degeneration.
The study was conducted on 1,313 women. It aims to investigate if serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels in the blood, the preferred biomarker for vitamin D, were associated with early age-related macular degeneration. The results show that women under the age of 75 with high vitamin D status were less likely to have early age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The findings reveals that having very low vitamin D status (25-hydroxyvitamin D blood concentrations lower than 38 nanomoles per liter) may be associated with increasing your odds of developing age-related macular degeneration. One can increase vitamin D by being exposed to moderate sunlight, eating foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish from cold waters, and foods fortified with vitamin D, such as milk and fortified cereal, or by taking supplements.
However, the researchers also noted that being at a higher vitamin D level than 38 nanomoles per liter does not appear to be more protective. Anyhow, it is a promising study.