Association between Dietary Xanthophyll (Lutein and Zeaxanthin) Intake and Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

ABSTRACTPurpose: To examine the association between xanthophyll intake and prevalent early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (n = 10,295). Potential effect modification by genetic polymorphisms and biomarkers of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism was explored.Methods: Xanthophyll intake was assessed at visit 1 (1987–1989) using food frequency questionnaires. Prevalent early AMD was assessed at visit 3 (1993–1995) via retinal photographs. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for AMD by quintiles of xanthophyll intake, adjusted for age, sex, race, field center, and pack-years of smoking. To evaluate effect modification, the association between tertiles (T) of xanthophyll intake and AMD was stratified by complement factor H (CFH) rs1061170 and age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) rs10490924 genotypes, as well as by median cutpoints of HDL biomarkers.Results: Xanthophyll...