Higher consumption of red meat linked to increased risk of early AMD

Am J Epidemiol. 2009;169(7):867-876.

Researchers have found a correlation between high consumption of red meat and early age-related macular degeneration, while consumption of chicken was shown to have a reverse effect on late disease.

"Similar trends toward increasing prevalence of early AMD were seen with higher intakes of fresh and processed red meat," the study authors said. "These results suggest that different meats may differently affect AMD risk and may be a target for lifestyle modification."

The cohort study examined consumption of red meat and chicken as risk factors for AMD in 6,734 individuals between the ages of 58 years to 69 years. Meat consumption was measured based on a questionnaire. Bilateral digital macular photographs evaluated AMD, finding 1,680 cases of early AMD and 77 cases of late AMD.

Results were adjusted for age, smoking and other confounding factors.

There was a positive association between high consumption of red meat and early AMD. The odds ratio for consuming red meat 10 times a week compared with less than five times a week was 1.47 (P < .001).

However, consuming chicken 3.5 times a week compared with less than 1.5 times a week reversed the trend and was "inversely associated with late AMD" (odds ratio = 0.43, P = .007), the authors said.