Extra calcium safe for aging eyes

FRIDAY, March 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) – Taking calcium or not taking it, that is, again the question.

In a new study that contradicts previous research, researchers found that adding calcium to your diet would not increase your risk of age-related common eye disease.

This disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness in Americans aged 65 and older.

In the new research, a US National Eye Institute team badyzed data from more than 4,700 people in the United States followed for an average of 10 years in a study of age-related eye diseases. None of the participants had AMD at the beginning of the study.

As participants became older, participants with the highest intake of calcium from their diets or supplements were actually at a lower risk of developing advanced AMD than those who did not. Intake of calcium was the lowest, according to the findings.

The study was published on March 21 in JAMA Ophthalmology.

"Although the results suggest that high calcium intake might be protective, the jury has not yet decided whether people should change their calcium intake to prevent the onset or progression of the AMD, "said lead researcher Dr. Emily Chew.

She is Director of the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications and Assistant Clinical Director at the Eye Institute.

Chew noted that the apparent protective effect of calcium could be due to other factors. For example, people who have a high calcium intake may be more likely to eat healthier, exercise and take medications, which could also reduce the risk of AMD.

In the United States, about 50% of men and 65% of women regularly consume calcium supplements to strengthen bones and teeth, as well as to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Recommended daily amounts of calcium are 1000 milligrams (mg) for adults 50 years of age and under, and 1200 mg for adults over 50 years of age.

"These latest findings provide no evidence that it is necessary to change the management of calcium intake in people who are already taking calcium for other medical indications," Chew said in a statement. press release published by an eye institute.

Further research is needed to determine if calcium actually protects against AMD, concluded Chew.

More information

The US National Eye Institute has more about AMD.