Study finds instant coffee may increase dry AMD risk

Researchers from Hubei University of Medicine in China have examined the relationship between instant coffee consumption and an individual’s risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Writing in Food Science & Nutrition, the authors highlighted that they found a reliable genetic link between instant coffee consumption and dry AMD.

They highlighted that each standard deviation rise in instant coffee consumption resulted in a 6.92-fold increase in the risk of developing dry AMD.

“People at high-risk for AMD should avoid instant coffee. This study aids clinicians in identifying dietary factors, particularly instant coffee consumption, as potential risks for AMD,” the researchers noted.

The authors observed that they did not find a causal relationship between other types of coffee and AMD.

“We speculate that the different effects of various types of coffee on AMD may be related to manufacturing processes, additives, and other factors,” they said.

The scientists added that future research could explore the mechanisms involved in how instant coffee affects AMD using animal models.

“Furthermore, it is essential to identify harmful components in instant coffee and other types of coffee to reduce their content,” the authors observed.