Study reveals possible link between instant coffee and vision loss: These are the findings
Coffee is a popular beverage in several cultures, including Colombia. This makes its regular consumption common. Previous studies have shown both beneficial and detrimental effects on health. Among them, this product may improve fibrosis or protect cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.
Macular degeneration is an eye disease. Photo: iStock
However, a recent study, published in the Wiley journal Food Science & Nutrition , revealed that there could be a relationship between this drink and macular degeneration , an eye disease and one of the main causes of irreversible blindness.
According to the BrightFocus Macular Degeneration Research Office, approximately 11 million people in the United States have some form of age-related macular degeneration. This number is estimated to double, reaching nearly 22 million by 2050. Worldwide, the number of people living with this disease is projected to reach 196 million by 2020 and increase to 288 million by 2040.
What does the study say? Researchers from various Chinese universities obtained information available in public databases and analyzed the genetic correlation between different types of coffee consumption and this eye condition.
Coffee consumption has been linked to an increased risk of developing eye diseases. Photo: iStock
The results suggest a possible genetic correlation between instant coffee consumption and macular degeneration. “ Coffee consumption has been linked to an increased risk of developing eye diseases. In particular, coffee has been observed to increase the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma, as well as age-related cataracts,” the study notes.
Furthermore, it indicates that, although various studies have indicated a positive correlation between general coffee consumption and longevity, instant coffee consumption has been negatively associated with telomere length, a key biomarker of biological aging.
The researchers clarified that they found no causal relationship between coffee and this condition, but a possible genetic and causal link between instant coffee and the disease.
The effects of instant coffee can also be partially attributed to oxidative stress. Photo: iStock
“Furthermore, the effects of instant coffee may also be partially attributed to inflammation and oxidative stress induced by harmful chemicals produced during its production ,” the study adds.
At the end of the paper, the experts highlight the limitations of their study. "Although there was some sample overlap, which was very low and we employed multiple methods to address it, potential bias cannot be completely ruled out. (...) Our analysis was limited to the European population, and future studies should consider including more diverse populations ." They also admit that the study's classification of coffee consumption was not detailed enough.
They also mention the importance of continuing to research the potential impact of coffee consumption , specifically instant coffee, on eye health in order to more accurately determine the reasons why it may be harmful.
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