Melatonin supplementation may lower risk of age-related macular degeneration: Study

A recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found the potential of melatonin to reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. This comprehensive retrospective cohort study utilized a data from TriNetX with national database of deidentified electronic medical records from healthcare organizations across the US, from December 4, 2023 to March 19, 2024.

The research explored whether melatonin supplementation is linked with a decreased risk of developing or progressing AMD. The study included two primary groups of patients aged 50 years or older; one with individuals of no previous history of AMD (AMD-naive group) and the next with individuals of nonexudative AMD (nonexudative AMD group). Within each group, the patients were further classified into melatonin and control group based on the presence of medication that codes for melatonin.

The patients with at least four instances of melatonin records spaced at least three months apart were included in the melatonin group. To ensure comparability, the research employed propensity score matching (PSM) to account for demographic variables, comorbidities and the use of other hypnotic medications.

The study analyzed data from a total of 1,21,523 AMD-naive patients and close to 66,253 patients with nonexudative AMD. After PSM, the melatonin and control groups were compared to assess the risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the development and progression of AMD.

AMD-Naive Group:

Among the 50+ age group, melatonin use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing AMD with a risk ratio of 0.42 (95% CI, 0.28-0.62). And, consistent results were observed in the 60+ and 70+ age subsets, with RRs of 0.36 (95% CI, 0.25-0.54) and 0.35 (95% CI, 0.23-0.53), respectively.

Nonexudative AMD Group:

In the patients who were 50 years or older, melatonin use was linked to a reduced risk of progression to exudative AMD with an RR of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.34-0.56). Similar protective effects were seen in the older subsets, with RRs of 0.38 (95% CI, 0.30-0.49) for the 60+ age group and 0.40 (95% CI, 0.31-0.51) for the 70+ age group.

The findings suggest that melatonin may play a crucial role in reducing the risk of both developing AMD and the progression from nonexudative to exudative AMD. Overall, this study highlights the potential of melatonin as a simple and accessible intervention to reduce the risks associated with AMD. 

Source:

Jeong, H., Shaia, J. K., Markle, J. C., Talcott, K. E., & Singh, R. P. (2024). Melatonin and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. In JAMA Ophthalmology. American Medical Association (AMA). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.1822