(MacularDegenerations.com) While there are studies suggesting that moderate use of alcohol has some medicinal value, those reports are only a drop in the bucket compared to the reports suggesting that imbibing can do more harm than good.
A study backed by the American Health Assistance Foundation’s Macular Degeneration Research program looked at alcohol consumption records of close to 21,000 Australians. The results? The study found that people who took in over 20 grams of alcohol daily were 20% more likely to come down with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than those whose intake was lower.
According to an article on the Macular Degeneration Research’s website, the US Centers for Disease Control notes that the 20 grams figure works out to around one beer of around 12 oz. or one glass of wine of around 5 oz.
According to the article, the study involved combing over data stemming from almost 21,000 persons over the 17-year study. The study was focused on looking into the role of lifestyle, genetics and diet factors in the onset of certain diseases. According to the article, the study previously found that issues such as diet and mid-life overweight issues could also increase AMD risks.
The article noted that the study did not find any difference in terms of the alcohol in wine and beer, even though some prior research has found medicinal value in wine intake. While alcohol can boost the odds of coming down with AMD, the article noted that smoking presents an even greater risk. The article added that studies have shown that people who smoke cigarettes could be up to four times more likely than non-smokers to get AMD. Which suggests that those who smoke should seek help to kick the bad habit.
Previous reports have shown that there are a few things people can do to drastically lower their odds of getting AMD. For instance, eating food with omega 3 fatty acids, consuming leafy green vegetables and exercising regularly are other ways people can help to protect their eye health. And if there is a family history of AMD, people need to discuss the situation with their eye care provider.
Reference: http://www.ahaf.org/macular/newsupdates/alcohol-intake-may-increase.html
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