It increases the risk by seven times.
A new study has found a possible connection between drinking instant coffee and an increased risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that impairs central vision and commonly affects older adults. Globally, an estimated 200 million people live with AMD, most of whom have the dry form, which occurs naturally as part of the aging process. Wet AMD, the more severe type, results from abnormal blood vessel growth behind the retina. While factors like genetics and age contribute to AMD risk, lifestyle choices such as diet, smoking, and exercise also play a role.
The study, led by Dr. Siwei Liu from Hubei University of Medicine in China, used large-scale genetic and health data from over 500,000 individuals through the UK Biobank and AMD data from the Finnish Finngen dataset. Researchers examined genetic tendencies related to coffee preferences—specifically decaf, ground, and instant varieties—and used statistical methods to explore associations with AMD. They found a significant genetic link between those predisposed to drinking instant coffee and a notably higher risk of developing dry AMD. No such link was found with ground or decaffeinated coffee, and there was no association with the risk of wet AMD.
The researchers suggest that this connection may stem from shared genetic pathways that affect both coffee preference and eye health. They emphasized that further research is needed to validate these findings across different populations and investigate the biological mechanisms behind the association. Future studies could also examine whether specific ingredients or processes involved in making instant coffee contribute to eye damage.
Experts not involved in the study, such as Dr. David Geffen and Dr. Benjamin Bert, expressed interest in the findings but advised caution. Geffen emphasized the need for more detailed data, such as the quantity of coffee consumed and other contributing lifestyle factors. Bert highlighted the growing field of personalized medicine and how dietary choices, particularly processed foods like instant coffee, can impact long-term health. He noted that understanding these dietary risks could help guide recommendations for individuals genetically susceptible to conditions like AMD.
In summary, while the research presents an intriguing link between instant coffee and dry AMD, medical professionals stress that more evidence is required before making specific dietary recommendations. The study opens new avenues for understanding how genetics and diet influence eye health and underscores the potential for personalized prevention strategies.
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