Vitamin C and Cataract in Older People in India
Author Information
Author(s): Ravindran Ravilla D. M., Vashist Praveen, Gupta Sanjeev K., Young Ian S., Maraini Giovanni, Camparini Monica, Jayanthi R., John Neena, Fitzpatrick Kathryn E., Chakravarthy Usha, Ravilla Thulasiraj D., Fletcher Astrid E.
Primary Institution: Aravind Eye Hospital Pondicherry
Hypothesis
To examine the association between vitamin C and cataract in the Indian setting.
Conclusion
The study found a strong association between vitamin C levels and cataract prevalence in a vitamin C-depleted population.
Supporting Evidence
- Vitamin C was inversely associated with cataract, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.61 for the highest to lowest quartile.
- Similar inverse associations were observed for dietary vitamin C and cataract.
- Associations remained strong across different types of cataract, including nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts.
Takeaway
People who have more vitamin C in their blood are less likely to have cataracts, which are cloudy areas in the eye that can affect vision.
Methodology
A population-based cross-sectional analytic study was conducted with participants aged 60 and older, involving interviews, clinical examinations, and blood sample analysis for vitamin C levels.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from self-reported dietary intake and socioeconomic factors.
Limitations
The study relied on a single measurement of vitamin C and dietary intake, which may introduce measurement error.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 60 years and older, with a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds from north and south India.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.1×10−6
Confidence Interval
0.51–0.74
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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