Cataract Risk, Diet and Nutrition

Eating meat and animal products may increase your risk of developing Cataracts according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (March 23, 2011). Findings from the European Prospective Investigation in Cancer and Nutrition Study (EPIC) demonstrated that eating meat was positively associated with the risk of Cataracts. Participants in the study were divided into six diet groups: highest meat consumption, mid-range meat consumption, least meat consumption, fish-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. Compared with those who ate the most meat, the risks for developing cataracts after adjusting for multiple confounders including age and smoking were as follows: mid-range meat consumption participants decreased their Cataract risk by 4 percent, least meat consumption group decreased their Cataract risk by 15 percent, fish-eaters decreased their Cataract risk by 21 percent, vegetarians decreased their Cataract risk by 30 percent, and those who followed a vegan diet decreased their Cataract risk by 40 percent.