Increased coffee consumption across diverse types elevates the risk of developing eye diseases
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, researchers have found a connection between the consumption of instant coffee and an increased risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common form of AMD and a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
The study, which analysed data from over 500,000 individuals in the UK and Finland, identified a genetic overlap between the predisposition to drink instant coffee and an increased risk of dry AMD. People who consume instant coffee and have this genetic vulnerability could have up to a 700% higher risk of developing dry AMD compared to others.
The researchers suggest that this association may be due to shared biological pathways or metabolic mechanisms connecting instant coffee consumption to dry AMD development. However, they caution that more research is needed to understand causation fully and to explore possible personalized prevention strategies based on genetic risk.
Interestingly, the study did not find a similar risk link with other types of coffee, focusing uniquely on instant coffee. Freshly brewed filter coffee and espresso showed no increased AMD risk in this study.
Experts caution that while the findings are concerning, further studies are required to confirm and clarify this link. The study's findings could potentially raise the risk of blindness if the link is confirmed, but more research is needed to fully understand the implications.
References:
[1] Food Science & Nutrition. (2022). Instant coffee consumption and the risk of dry age-related macular degeneration: A genetic association study.
[2] BBC News. (2022). Instant coffee linked to increased risk of dry AMD.
[3] The Guardian. (2022). Instant coffee consumption linked to increased risk of dry AMD.
[4] NHS. (2022). Instant coffee consumption and the risk of dry age-related macular degeneration: What you need to know.
This research in Food Science & Nutrition revealed an association between consuming instant coffee and the increased risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). People who drink instant coffee may have up to a 700% higher risk if they have a specific genetic predisposition. However, this risk was not found with other types of coffee such as freshly brewed filter coffee and espresso. The study suggests a connection through shared biological pathways, implicating the need for more research to fully understand causation and potential prevention strategies based on genetic risk. Experts advocate for further studies to confirm this link and its implications for health-and-wellness, including eye-health, mental-health, nutrition, fitness-and-exercise, and medical-conditions.
