Association between nutrient intake and cataracts in a Chinese type 2 diabetic population

Objectives

This study investigates the association between daily nutrient intake, including antioxidants, minerals, and other essential nutrients, and cataract development in a diabetic Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 398 patients with type 2 diabetes from an urban Chinese community were recruited between January 2010 and January 2011. Participants underwent standardized evaluation, including questionnaires, ocular and anthropometric examinations, and laboratory tests. Dietary data were collected by 3-day food records. Cataract including nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC), were graded according to Lens Opacities Classification System III. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to analyze associations between each dietary nutrient and cataract development, adjusting for social-demographic factors, lifestyle, age at onset of diabetes, and diabetes-related biomarkers in different models.

Results

Of the participants, 230 were in the cataract group, while 168 in the non-cataract group. The mean age was higher in the cataract group (68.3 ± 6.4 years) compared to non-cataract group (59.4 ± 9.4 years, P < 0.001). PSC were more severe in patients with diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.020). Dietary vitamin C was positively associated with nuclear cataracts (P < 0.05 across all models). Riboflavin (P = 0.023) and phosphorus (P = 0.026) were associated with cortical cataracts, while phosphorus (P = 0.043) and folic acid (P = 0.044) were associated with PSC cataracts. No associations were found for other nutrients.

Conclusions

Dietary vitamin C was associated with an increased risk of nuclear cataracts, while riboflavin and phosphorus were linked to cortical cataracts, phosphorus and folic acid were associated with PSC cataract. The severity of cataracts was more pronounced in patients with diabetic retinopathy.