High saturated fat intake - Macular Degeneration : Low-Carb War Zone Forum : Active Low-Carber Forums

#1 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 15:01

BoBoGuy

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High saturated fat intake - Macular Degeneration

High-fat diets might be a marker for diets that are poor in many micronutrients that could protect against age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans over 60 years of age. This disease involves cell death in the macula of the eye, which has a high density of cone cells and is responsible for central vision.

A recent study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology investigated the relationship between fat intake and the presence of intermediate AMD 4-7 years later in over 1700 women, and found that some fats may benefit eye health while others may be damaging.

Saturated fats are detrimental when it comes to heart disease and cancer, so these results are no surprise - saturated fats showed the greatest association with AMD – 60% increased odds of AMD in women who consumed the greatest amounts.

Conclusions: High intake of saturated fat is associated with increased risk for early age-related maculopathy.

Deana Ferreri, Ph.D.

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#2 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 15:03

Hellistile Hellistile is offline

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So what else were these folks eating? It couldn't have all been saturated fat. Maybe it was the most saturated fat in those who ate the most carbohydrate? I'd like to see the percentages of macronutrients these people ate. Also, I need to know what type of fat these people ate as well. Did they lump saturated with trans-fat?

#3 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 15:20

amandawald amandawald is offline

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eggs are the best thing for your eyes!!!

As we LCers know, eggs are a great food, for many many reasons. One of the best reasons to eat eggs is to protect your eyes. The lutein in eggs is much better absorbed by the body than the lutein in spinach. But, seeing as spinach is also quite good for you, why not make your next eye-saving meal a spinach quiche?

I found these articles recently for my Dad and just put them all in one big word document. I hope the references come out OK.

Quote:

Eggs, a better lutein source?
29-Oct-2003

Eggs are a highly bioavailable source of lutein, the carotenoid thought to help fight disease and eyesight degeneration, shows a small trial presented in the US this week.
Major dietary sources of lutein include green vegetables such as spinach but Elizabeth Johnson from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, reported that eggs, not often considered a source of lutein, may provide more of the nutrient than both spinach and two types of supplements found on the market. The study, presented on Sunday at the annual American Dietetic Association Conference in San Antonio, also found no difference in bioavailability between natural lutein esters and lutein supplements.
Lutein has been strongly implicated in protection against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, thought to be due to its antioxidant power. Supplement makers are benefiting from increased consumer awareness of lutein's role in eye health, but there has been some dispute over the bioavailability of the nutrient offered in different products.
Johnson's trial tested serum lutein concentration in 10 healthy men, before and after daily consumption of 6mg lutein obtained from four different sources - eggs from chickens that had been fed marigold petals, which are high in lutein, spinach (one of the most widely known sources of dietary lutein), lutein ester supplements and lutein supplements.
Differences in serum response to the various lutein doses were observed the day after the first dose, reported Johnson. At this stage, the serum lutein response to egg was significantly greater than the supplements but not different to the spinach dose. But after nine days of a daily lutein dose, the serum lutein response was significantly greater in the egg phase than either of the supplements or the spinach.

Two studies say eggs promote eye health
Two studies published in late September conclude that eating an egg a day helps promote eye health without raising cholesterol levels.
Mittwoch, 4. Oktober 2006
Eggs provide two important antioxidants—lutein and zeaxanthin—that have been shown to protect the retina and reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of age-related blindness. AMD affects more than 13 million Americans or 5% of people 65 and older.
The two antioxidants are part of the carotenoid family (like beta-carotene in carrots) and the only carotenoids found in the eye. People can’t make these carotenoids on their own and must get them from foods such as egg yolks, fruits, and green-leafy vegetables. Previous research has shown that lutein in eggs may be better absorbed by the body than it is from other sources, such as dietary supplements or spinach.
“The two studies on lutein and zeaxanthin provide further validation that eggs provide important eye health benefits for baby boomers and aging adults, says Donald McNamara, executive director of the Egg Nutrition Center. “They also support the 30-plus years of research that show people can enjoy an egg or two a day without negatively impacting blood cholesterol levels, something that has been misunderstood by both health professionals and the public.”
In one of the studies published in the Journal of Nutrition, 24 women ages 24 to 59 were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a group that consumed a sugar pill daily or one of two egg groups. Women in both egg groups ate six eggs a week for six weeks. The eggs contained either 330 micrograms or 960 micrograms of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Zeaxanthin levels significantly increased for both egg groups and lutein levels increased for the women in the first egg group. Eye pigments that help protect the retina by blocking out harmful light significantly increased in both egg groups. And interestingly, cholesterol levels significantly increased in the group that consumed the sugar pill but did not increase in either egg group.
The other random control study published late last month also showed that eating an egg a day significantly increases lutein and zeaxanthin levels without raising cholesterol. Thirty-three men and women over the age of 60 took part in each phase of a four-phase study. Lutein and zeaxanthin levels increased by 26% and 38%, respectively, after participants ate an egg a day for five weeks. There was no increase in levels of these nutrients during a five-week period when participants ate egg substitutes (that do not have the antioxidants) daily, nor during two, three-week periods when no eggs or egg substitutes were consumed. Cholesterol levels did not differ during any phase of the study.
“Many people think they are doing themselves a favor by only consuming egg substitutes or egg whites,” says Marcia Greenblum, a registered dietitian. “But the fact is, many of an egg’s nutrients are found in the yolk, including most of the choline and vitamin B12, and about 40% of the protein.”
Nutrient Interactions
A human study published in the August 2004 issue of the Journal of Nutrition shows that lutein is much better absorbed from egg yolk than lutein supplements or even spinach.
A carotenoid, lutein is found in green vegetables, especially spinach, as well as kale and broccoli. But egg yolks, although they contain significantly less lutein than spinach, are a much more bioavailable source whose consumption increases lutein concentrations in the blood many-fold higher than spinach.
Although the mechanism by which egg yolk increases lutein bioavailability is not yet known, it is likely due to the fats (cholesterol and choline) found in egg yolk. As mentioned above, lutein, like other carotenoids, is fat-soluble, so cannot be absorbed unless fat is also present. To maximally boost your lutein absorption, we suggest enjoying your spinach, whether steamed, sautéed or fresh in spinach salad, with a little olive oil and a topping of chopped hard-boiled egg. For a flavorful, quick and easy recipe featuring eggs and spinach, try our Poached Eggs over Spinach and Mushrooms.(October 11, 2004)

Beta-carotene supplements reduce blood levels of lutein, suggesting that carotenoids may compete with each other for absorption.
Supplementing your diet with pectin or other forms of supplemental dietary fiber such as guar, wheat bran, alginate, or cellulose may decrease the absorption of lutein.

#4 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 15:38

Nancy LC

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I'll see that study and raise you...

Study: High-Carb Diet Leads To Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Possible Blindness

Fast-Acting Carbs May Hasten Vision Loss Over Time

Last edited by Nancy LC : Mon, Nov-23-09 at 17:12.

#5 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 16:15

steakum

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Quote:

I'll match that study and raise you...

don't you mean you'll "see" that study and raise him?

sorry couldn't resist...

#6 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 17:12

Nancy LC

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OOOH! I knew it didn't sound quite right. I'll fix it. I obviously need to play a little poker!

#7 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 17:16

BoBoGuy

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy LC

I'll see that study and raise you...

Study: High-Carb Diet Leads To Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Possible Blindness

Fast-Acting Carbs May Hasten Vision Loss Over Time

Nancy, I agree with everything in your above links.

Science has know for a long time that quickly digested and absorbed carbohydrates result in rapidly rising blood sugar levels that result in higher risks for developing macular degeneration.

Science has also known for a long time that eating red meat increases an individual’s chances of contracting Age Related Macular Degeneration by 50%. It’s also known that eating chicken would decrease that same likelihood by 50%. They suspect that the saturated fats in red meats decrease the blood flow to the macula resulting in AMD.

Personally, I no longer consume red meat, however, it does introduce protein into our systems and can have positive effects on us if consumed in moderation. I only question why protein sources such as eggs, fish and chicken, which are healthier and have been shown to prevent certain ocular conditions, are not chosen over red meat?

Dump the simple carbs and the red meat!!!

Bo

Last edited by BoBoGuy : Mon, Nov-23-09 at 17:29. Reason: typo

#8 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 17:34

NewRuth

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You better stay away from that vegetable fat!

http://archopht.ama-assn.org/cgi/co...ourcetype=HWCIT

Quote:

Results
Higher total fat intake increased the risk of progression to the advanced forms of AMD, with a relative risk (RR) of 2.90 (95% confidence interval, 1.15-7.32) for the highest fat-intake quartile relative to the lowest fat-intake quartile, after controlling for other factors (P trend = .01). Animal fat intake was associated with a 2-fold increased risk of progression (RR, 2.29 for the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-5.72), although the trend for increasing risk with higher animal fat intake was not significant (P= .09). Higher vegetable fat intake had a stronger relationship with increased risk of AMD progression with an RR of 3.82 (95% confidence interval, 1.58-9.28) for the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile (P trend = .003). Saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and transunsaturated fats increased the likelihood of progression (RR, 2.09 and P trend = .08; RR, 2.21 and P trend = .04; RR, 2.28 and P trend = .04; RR, 2.39 and P trend = .008, respectively). Higher fish intake was associated with a lower risk of AMD progression among subjects with lower linoleic acid intake. Processed baked goods, which are higher in some of these fats, increased the rate of AMD progression approximately 2-fold, and nuts were protective.

Vegetable fat almost doubles the risk of saturated fat.

From the objectives of this study, it seems the researchers went in with a pre-determined agenda.

Quote:

Objective To advise patients with a high risk for advanced forms of AMD about preventive measures through our evaluation of the relationship between dietary fat intake and the progression of early or intermediate AMD to the advanced stages of the disease associated with visual loss.

And the results are based on food-frequency surveys. Gold standard of nutritional research???

Sorry, I'm not changing how I eat based on this study.

ETA: That wasn't the "recent" study on the link. This is & I can only access the abstract.
http://archopht.ama-assn.org/cgi/co...ourcetype=HWCIT

Quote:

Design Women aged 50 to 79 years with high and low lutein intake from 3 sites of the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study were recruited into the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Fat intake from 1994 through 1998 was estimated using food frequency questionnaires, and AMD was assessed photographically from 2001 through 2004.

Food frequency studies and notice diet was evaluated in 1994-98 but eyes were examined 7 years later!

Quote:

Results Intakes of {omega}-6 and {omega}-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which were highly correlated (r = 0.8), were associated with approximately 2-fold higher prevalence of intermediate AMD in high vs low quintiles. However, monounsaturated fatty acid intake was associated with lower prevalence. Age interactions were often observed. In women younger than 75 years (n = 1325), total fat and saturated fatty acid intakes were associated with increased prevalence of AMD (multivariate adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval] for intermediate AMD, 1.7 [1.0-2.7] for quintile 5 vs quintile 1 for total fat [P = .10 for trend] and 1.6 [0.7-3.6] for saturated fatty acids [P = .23 for trend]). The associations were reversed in older women.

Omega 3's really??

What does "lower prevalance" mean here? approximately 1.9 fold???

In younger women, the risk of AMD goes up with increased fat, but it goes down in older women? Why?

Since there's no data available to me, I'm not worried about this study based on the abstract.

Last edited by NewRuth : Mon, Nov-23-09 at 17:52.

#9 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 18:19

amergin

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Boboguy, You titled your post
"High saturated fat intake - Macular Degeneration"

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoBoGuy

[IMG]

http://tenpoundslighter.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/eyes.jpg[/IMG]
...............

Conclusions: High intake of saturated fat is associated with increased risk for early age-related maculopathy.

Deana Ferreri, Ph.D.

However, among other things, this is what the linked paper actually says,

"Findings are generally consistent with the results of our previous case-control study in which we compared the dietary habits of individuals with advanced, exudative disease with control subjects.15 In that study, specific types of fat, including vegetable, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated, were associated with a higher risk for AMD diagnosis."

Let's have a little quiz, Which type of fat was NOT mentioned in the second quote above?

I'll give you a clue. It was the only fat you named in the title of your post.

Another quote from the Paper:
"Additionally, obesity, independent of fat intake, remained significantly related to the progression of AMD (data not shown). Furthermore, increased fat intake and obesity are known to be associated with inflammation, and inflammatory factors are known to be associated with cardiovascular disease and may possibly be associated with AMD.10 Other mechanisms, such as genetic and dietary interactions, might also play a role."

A "may" be associated with B, and B "may possibly" be associated with C. Other mechanisms might also be associated with C. This implies A is the cause of C. (as stated in Deana Ferreri's conclusion above)
Pretty convincing logic?, NOT.

Also
"..although the trend for increasing risk with higher animal fat intake was not significant (P= .09). Higher vegetable fat intake had a stronger relationship with increased risk of AMD progression with an RR of 3.82 (95% confidence interval, 1.58-9.28) for the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile (P trend = .003)."

Deana Ferreri posts on Joel Fuhrman's blog in support of PCRM and CSPI dogma. Wonder why she left out the info on Omega 6 fats and their significant association with AMD?

What I'd also like to know is why you only mention Saturated fat in the title of your post?
Until you give a satisfactory answer to that I will not waste any more time chasing up any future red herrings you throw in here.

#10 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 20:05

BoBoGuy

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Quote:

Originally Posted by amergin

Boboguy, You titled your post "High saturated fat intake - Macular Degeneration"

What I'd like to know is why you only mention Saturated fat in the title of your post?

Until you give a satisfactory answer to that I will not waste any more time chasing up any future red herrings you throw in here.

Over a period of twelve years, medical researchers at Tufts University followed nearly 90,000 people 50 years of age or older. They kept track of their detailed fat intake as well as measuring their macular degeneration and published their results in 2001. In general, they found that people who got 42% or more of their calories from fat were more likely to develop macular degeneration. The study also found that unprocessed meat, like steak, lamb, or pork, need only be eaten once a week before the subjects' risk of macular degeneration increased by 35%.

Some researchers caution that the associations found at times can not be pinpointed to the saturated fat itself but may be related to other compounds in the foods in which they are commonly found. High-fat diets might simply be a marker for diets that are poor in many micronutrients that could protect against age-related macular degeneration.

I’m aware that there is no definitive answer as to what specifically causes MD. There is however an emerging theory that healthy macula functioning depends on a high blood flow through its blood vessels and that anything that interferes with this blood flow can cause the macula to malfunction. Many believe that high saturated-fat diets can cause plaque buildup along blood vessel walls, including the macular vessels, which impedes blood flow.

Amergin, I'm here seeking advice and opinions and have no desire to throw red herrings or stroke controversy. I did mention saturated fat in the title after reading about a study of older (age 45-84) Americans indicating signs of early MD were 80% more common in the group who ate the most saturated fat compared to those who ate the least.

Amanda, thank you for the great articles. I have scrambled eggs with spinach almost every morning.

Btw, I have MD in my right eye and am trying everything I can do to halt its progression.

Bo

Last edited by BoBoGuy : Mon, Nov-23-09 at 23:58. Reason: typo

#11 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 20:17

M Levac

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BoBoGuy

It's not science that knows this, it's statistics. In other words, it's not scientists, it's accountants. There is no truth to be had from accounting. On the other hand, what science knows about red meat, it found by testing it on humans. Do I really need to post it again?

www.jbc.org/content/87/3/651.full.pdf

Quote:

11. In these trained subjects, the clinical observations and
laboratory studies gave no evidence that any ill effects had
occurred from the prolonged use of the exclusive meat diet.

#12 ^

Mon, Nov-23-09, 20:28

M Levac

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How about this here there them that there huh?
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=404148

So, I live to be a hundred but I go blind at 60?!?

#13 ^

Tue, Nov-24-09, 03:19

amandawald amandawald is offline

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eye health

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoBoGuy

Amanda, thank you for the great articles. I have scrambled eggs with spinach almost every morning.

Btw, I have MD in my right eye and am trying everything I can do to halt its progression.

Bo

I remember you mentioning that about you having MD. Sorry to hear it. I'll edit this post and put in a link to a website that sells a whole bunch of supplements to help with eye health. I'm not a huge fan of the guy who promotes this stuff, although he basically recommends a paleo diet, but it might be of interest to you to look into some of the things he recommends.

Here's the link:

http://www.eyesight.nu/
amanda

Last edited by amandawood : Tue, Nov-24-09 at 03:26. Reason: to add something

#14 ^

Tue, Nov-24-09, 07:44

M Levac

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BoBoGuy

Btw, I have MD in my right eye and am trying everything I can do to halt its progression.

Then it would be that much more important for you to cut through the bullshit and go right at the truth, don't you think? I used to have 15/20 vision before I cut out all sugar and adopted an all meat diet. Now after a couple of years, my vision is better than 20/20. I don't know why that is, but I'm certain it's not due to any sort of degeneration.

#15 ^

Tue, Nov-24-09, 15:20

jcass

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BoBoGuy

Btw, I have MD in my right eye and am trying everything I can do to halt its progression.

Then take a high dose vitamin A supplement. All those antioxidants that we hear about protecting the eyes (lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, B-carotene etc) are just vitamin A analogues anyway. Why not go for the source?