A new study suggests that melatonin supplements may play a crucial role in preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over the age of 50. This disease affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. AMD is mainly divided into two types: dry AMD and wet AMD.
There Dry AMD, more common, occurs in about 80% of cases and results from the progressive breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula. As these cells deteriorate, yellowish spots called drusen can form under the retina, which then impair central vision. There Wet AMD, less common, but more severe, involves the abnormal growth of blood vessels under the retina. These vessels can leak fluid or blood, leading to rapid and potentially serious damage to retinal cells.
Since there is currently no cure for AMD, researchers are actively seeking preventative strategies to reduce the incidence and delay the progression of the disease.
The promising effects of melatonin
Recently, a team explored the potential of melatonin supplements in the prevention of disease. Melatonin is in fact known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties could potentially play a role in reducing the cellular and inflammatory damage associated with this disease.
Previous studies in animal models and observations in humans also suggest that melatonin may positively influence certain biological processes involved in AMD, such as inflammation and oxidative stress. These processes are crucial in the development and progression of the disease.
The study covered more than 238,000 people aged over 50 and without a history of AMD, of whom approximately 121,000 reported taking melatonin regularly. To be included in the group taking melatonin, participants had to have reported this habit to their doctor at least four times over a period of fifteen years with a minimum interval of three months between each report.
Researchers found that those who consumed melatonin were 58% less likely to receive a diagnosis of AMD during the fifteen years of study compared to those who did not take it.
A link still unclear
Despite its promising results, the study presents some important limitations. In particular, it did not take into account the differences in the quality and purity of melatonin supplements available on the market. In the United States, melatonin is actually classified as a dietary supplement and is not regulated in the same way as prescription medications, meaning that actual doses can vary greatly between products.
Additionally, the study cannot establish a direct causal link between melatonin and reduced risk of AMD. However, participants’ lifestyle factors, such as their diet, their level of physical activity and their access to health care, could also influence their risk of developing the disease.
Researchers and experts therefore emphasize the need to conduct controlled clinical trials to confirm the potential protective effects of melatonin against AMD. These trials should not only compare groups taking melatonin and those not taking supplements, but also closely monitor the quality and dose of the products used.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to offer medical advice.
