ACE-Vitamin Index and Risk of Glaucoma

The SUN Project, also known as the Seguir Una Nutricaión Saludable (Following a Healthy Diet) study, is an ongoing nutritional epidemiology project conducted in Spain. It involves a large participant pool of over 23,000 individuals. Recently, the “ACE-Vitamin Index and Risk of Glaucoma: The SUN Project” publication by Moreno-Montañés et al (2022) focused on exploring the relationship between the ACE-Vitamin Index and the risk of glaucoma within this population.

Introduction

The ACE-Vitamin Index is a scoring system that assesses an individual’s intake of B vitamins (B2, B6, B7, B9, and B12), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein+zeaxanthin), and folate. These nutrients play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including DNA synthesis, cellular energy metabolism, and antioxidant protection.

Methodology

The objective of the current study was to examine whether a high ACE-Vitamin Index could potentially offer protection against the risk of glaucoma. To evaluate the nutrient intake of the participants, the researchers utilized a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Throughout an average follow-up period of 7.4 years, they identified 188 new cases of glaucoma.

Results

After accounting for potential confounding factors such as age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and caffeine intake, the study revealed a significant inverse association between the ACE-Vitamin Index and the risk of glaucoma. Specifically, individuals in the highest quintile of the ACE-Vitamin Index (scoring above 51 points) exhibited a 24% lower risk of developing glaucoma compared to those in the lowest quintile (scoring below 39 points).

The ACE-Vitamin Index has been found to have a strong inverse association with glaucoma risk, particularly among individuals with a family history of the condition. Those in the highest quintile of the index had a 41% lower risk of developing glaucoma compared to those in the lowest quintile.

The exact mechanisms behind this protective effect are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the antioxidant properties and reduction in inflammation provided by B vitamins, carotenoids, and folate. These nutrients have been shown to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

While further research is needed to confirm the role of the ACE-Vitamin Index in preventing glaucoma, the findings suggest that a diet rich in B vitamins, carotenoids, and folate may help decrease the risk of developing this eye condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the SUN Project study demonstrated an inverse association between a high ACE-Vitamin Index and glaucoma risk. This scoring system measures the consumption of essential nutrients, and participants in the highest quintile had a 24% lower risk of developing glaucoma compared to those in the lowest quintile. This association was even stronger for individuals with a family history of glaucoma. The protective effects are believed to be due to the antioxidant properties and reduction in inflammation provided by these nutrients. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.