Year Published: 2020
Journal
J Acad Nutr Diet
Authors
Tina H T Chiu, Chia-Chen Chang, Chin-Lon Lin, Ming-Nan Lin
Methods
"Cataracts are caused by oxidative stress in the lens of the eyes and plant-based dietary patterns can contain a wide variety of protective antioxidants. However, strict vegetarians with inadequate vitamin B-12 intakes can have elevated homocysteine levels, which could increase the risk of cortical cataracts. Whether the benefits of a vegetarian diet outweigh its risks in the development of cataracts warrants investigation. Objective: Our aim was to study the prospective association between a Taiwanese vegetarian dietary pattern and cataract risk."
Key Findings
Results showed that adherence to a vegetarian diet was associated with a 20% reduced risk of cataracts. This association was even more pronounced in individuals who were overweight (30% reduced risk).