Dietary lutein, zeaxanthin, and fats and the progression of age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Background: To estimate the effect of dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z) and fats on the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Two hundred and fifty-four subjects identified with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were re-examined to determine 7-year AMD progression. Intakes of L/Z and fatty acids were estimated from food frequency questionnaires. Progression was defined by 3 different definitions, 2 quantitative and I qualitative, which varied in the stringency of the change required for the AMD to be deemed to have progressed. Covariates included age, smoking, AMD family history, source study, and follow-up duration. Results: Energy-adjusted L..