Skipping breakfast appears to have a protective effect against the development of AMD: study

A study was conducted to investigate the association between intermittent fasting and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the general elderly population.

A cross-sectional study using population-based, government-led survey data, Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

A total of 4,504 subjects aged ≥ 55 with comprehensive data including meal frequency and fundus photography were selected using the KNHANES 2015–2018 database. Participants were divided into two groups based on breakfast frequency per week; intermittent fasting (nearly 0 times/week) and non-fasting (5–7 times/week). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for age-related macular degeneration identified by fundus photography.

Results

• Age-related macular degeneration was identified in 25.1% of total subjects.
• The intermittent fasting group had a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration compared to the non-fasting group, especially in subjects with younger age obesity and urban residence
• Increased age and serum HDL levels were also independent risk factors for age-related macular degeneration.

Thus, using the population-based survey data, we demonstrated that intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast was significantly associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in a representative elderly population, especially in individuals younger than 70 years, obese, and urban residents.

Reference:

Eun Young Choi, Min Kim et al. Intermittent Fasting is Associated with a Decreased Risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration. Published: July 06, 2022. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2022.06.017