Consuming soluble coffee could potentially elevate the chance of vision loss in the elderly population.
A recent study published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition has found a significant association between the consumption of instant (soluble) coffee and an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), specifically the dry form of the disease.
The research, which was based on a large-scale genetic analysis of data from nearly 200,000 individuals, found a genetic correlation between instant coffee intake and dry AMD. Other types of coffee, such as ground or decaffeinated coffee, showed no such association.
Each standard deviation increase in instant coffee consumption was found to correspond to roughly a seven-fold increase in the risk of dry AMD. This link suggests shared biological or metabolic pathways that connect a genetic predisposition for instant coffee consumption with AMD risk, though the precise molecular mechanisms remain under investigation.
It is important to note that this risk is specific to dry AMD, with no significant association found between coffee consumption and wet AMD. The study does not account for other lifestyle factors that may contribute to the risk of AMD.
The study's findings suggest a potential causal role of instant coffee in increasing dry AMD risk. Researchers are planning further functional and longitudinal studies to clarify the metabolic mechanisms and causal relationship.
In practical terms, people at high risk of AMD or with a genetic predisposition should consider reducing or avoiding instant coffee consumption as a potential preventive measure for dry AMD.
The study does not provide information on whether decaffeinated soluble coffee has the same effect on AMD risk as regular soluble coffee. It also does not account for other lifestyle factors that may contribute to the risk of AMD in the context of ground or decaffeinated coffee consumption.
The production of soluble coffee is linked to the formation of substances that can cause inflammation in the retina of the eye. Ground coffee, which does not contain harmful substances for the retina, is an alternative to soluble coffee for people with a predisposition to AMD. Decaffeinated coffee, which does not contain harmful substances for the retina, is another alternative.
This research highlights the importance of differentiating coffee types in eye health advice and opens new paths for personalized prevention strategies based on genetic profiles. Further research is needed to confirm the potential link between soluble coffee consumption and the development of AMD.
| Coffee Type | Association with AMD | Risk Increase | |------------------|-------------------------|---------------------| | Instant coffee | Significant genetic and causal link to dry AMD | ~7-fold increased risk per standard deviation increase in intake | | Ground coffee | No significant association | None identified | | Decaffeinated coffee | No significant association | None identified |
- The study in Food Science & Nutrition found a genetic correlation and potential causal role between instant coffee consumption and an increased risk of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Each standard deviation increase in instant coffee intake corresponds to approximately a seven-fold increase in the risk of dry AMD.
- The production of soluble coffee may lead to the formation of substances that can cause inflammation in the retina of the eye, making it a potential concern for people with a predisposition to AMD.
- In contrast to instant and soluble coffee, ground coffee and decaffeinated coffee showed no significant association with AMD, making them safer alternatives.
