High-dose supplements of vitamins C and E, low-dose multivitamins, and the risk of age-related cataract: a population-based prospective cohort study of men

Am J Epidemiol. 2013 Mar 15;177(6):548-55. doi: 10.1093/aje/kws279. Epub 2013 Feb 17.

Abstract

We examined the associations of high-dose supplements of vitamins C and E and low-dose multivitamins with the risk of age-related cataract among 31,120 Swedish men, aged 45-79 years, in a population-based prospective cohort. Dietary supplement use was assessed from a questionnaire at baseline in 1998. During follow-up (January 1998-December 2006), 2,963 incident age-related cataract cases were identified. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for men using vitamin C supplements only was 1.21 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.41) in a comparison with that of non-supplement users. The hazard ratio for long-term vitamin C users (≥10 years before baseline) was 1.36 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.81). The risk of cataract with vitamin C use was stronger among older men (>65 years) (hazard ratio = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.41, 2.60) and corticosteroid users (hazard ratio = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.48, 3.02). The hazard ratio for vitamin E use only was 1.59 (95% CI: 1.12, 2.26). Use of multivitamins only or multiple supplements in addition to vitamin C or E was not associated with cataract risk. These results suggest that the use of high-dose (but not low-dose) single vitamin C or E supplements may increase the risk of age-related cataract. The risk may be even higher among older men, corticosteroid users, and long-term users.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Cataract / chemically induced
  • Cataract / epidemiology*
  • Diet
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Educational Status
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sweden / epidemiology
  • Vitamin E / administration & dosage
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage
  • Waist Circumference

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin E
  • Ascorbic Acid