Cross-Sectional Study on Vitamin D, Zinc Oxide and Fatty Acid Status in a Population with a Moderate to High Risk of AMD Identified by the STARS(R) Questionnaire

Introduction A prospective study was carried out in Belgium to determine the proportion of subjects with a moderate to high risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), identified using the STARS(R) (Simplified Thea AMD Risk-Assessment Scale) questionnaire, who were in need of nutritional supplementation, by assessing the vitamin D, zinc oxide and fatty acid profile status. Methods This multicentre cross-sectional pilot study involved 50 Belgian subjects with no or early AMD, aged > 55 years who were at moderate to high risk for AMD. Subjects were assessed using the STARS(R) questionnaire, visual acuity assessment, an optical coherence tomography scan of the macula and fundus photography. Blood samples were collected, and serum analyses were performed to determine the the omega-6:omega-3 (omega 6:omega 3) ratio and the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), zinc and cupric oxides and vitamin D. Results Abnormal serum levels for at least one of the micronutrients was detected in 94% of the subjects. Lower than optimal vitamin D levels were found in 76% of the participants, and 68% of the subjects demonstrated at least one abnormal fatty acid profile. The omega 6:omega 3 ratio was above the reference range for normal values in 54% of the subjects; DHA and EPA levels were below the reference range in 60 and 46% of the subjects, respectively; and zinc oxide concentration was below the reference range in 50% of the subjects. Only 12% of the subjects exhibited cupric oxide deficiency. Conclusion In this study, the STARS(R) questionnaire was used for early identification of patients at moderate to high risk of AMD in real life. These patients presented a suboptimal nutritional status. Further research is needed to determine if specific diet modification or micronutrient supplement intake delays the onset or slows down the progression of AMD in these subjects.

Automated summary

In a study conducted in Belgium, 94% of subjects identified with moderate to high risk of developing AMD through the STARS questionnaire had abnormal serum levels for at least one micronutrient; 76% of participants had suboptimal vitamin D levels, and 68% demonstrated at least one abnormal fatty acid profile.