Abstract
Purpose:
To investigate the association between intermittent fasting and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in general elderly population.
Design:
A cross-sectional study using a population-based, government-led survey data, Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).
Methods:
A total of 4,504 subjects aged ≥ 55 years with comprehensive data including meal frequency and fundus photography were selected using the KNHANES 2015-2018 database. Participants were divided into two groups based on breakfast frequency per week; intermittent fasting (nearly time/week) and non-fasting (5-7 times/week) groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for AMD identified by fundus photography.
Results:
AMD was identified in 25.1% of total subjects. The intermittent fasting group had a decreased risk of AMD compared to the non-fasting group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.413, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.203-0.841), especially in subjects with a younger age (< 70 years, aOR 0.357, 95% CI 0.153-0.833), obesity (aOR 0.663, 95% CI 0.424-1.037), and urban residence (aOR 0.437, 95% CI 0.248-0.769). Increased age (aOR 1.058, 95% CI 1.041-1.076) and serum HDL levels (aOR 1.011, 95% CI 1.002-1.021) were also independent risk factors for AMD.
Conclusions:
Using the population-based survey data, we demonstrated that intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast was significantly associated with a reduced risk of AMD in a representative elderly population, especially in individuals with age less than 70 years, obesity, and urban residence.
Full text
