The effect of multivitamin/mineral supplements on age-related cataracts: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Nutrients. 2014 Feb 28;6(3):931-49. doi: 10.3390/nu6030931.

Abstract

Antioxidant vitamins supplements have been suggested as a strategy to decrease the risk of age-related cataract development. However, the results from observational studies and interventional trials of associations between antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E and cataract development have been inconsistent. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of multivitamin/mineral supplements for decreasing the risk of age-related cataracts by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. In September 2013, we searched multiple databases to identify relevant studies including both cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled relative risks (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Twelve prospective cohort studies and two RCTs were included. Pooled results from the cohort studies indicated that multivitamin/mineral supplements have a significant beneficial effect in decreasing the risk of nuclear cataracts (RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.64-0.82), cortical cataracts (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.68-0.94), and any cataracts (RR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.39-0.93). In addition, there were no decreases in the risk of posterior capsular cataracts (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.72-1.20) or cataract surgery (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.92-1.08). The two RCTs demonstrated that multivitamin/mineral supplements could decrease the risk of nuclear cataracts. There is sufficient evidence to support the role of dietary multivitamin/mineral supplements for the decreasing the risk of age-related cataracts.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage*
  • Cataract / prevention & control*
  • Databases, Factual
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Humans
  • Micronutrients / administration & dosage*
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Recommended Dietary Allowances

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Micronutrients