Hi! How are you all? Lin tells me one of the latest developments of interest to the group is research that was just completed in Dublin and Alabama and reported by Healthline and other sources. They have found calcified eye spots linked to the progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. According to the article, there is a six-fold incidence of progression to advanced AMD in those who have the calcification as compared to those who do not.
Now linkage – or correlation – does not mean the factor causes the condition. I have said dozens of times “correlation does not mean causality”. But with that said, it seems something is going on here.
As far back as 1997 (Characteristics of Drusen and Bruch’s Membrane in Postmortem Eyes with Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Spraul and Grossnikulus), there has been evidence to suggest calcification and fragmentation of Bruch’s membrane have something to do with the progression of AMD. And that would be especially wet AMD by the way.
We have also known for a while that drusen are made up of lipids, minerals and protein. Because of the recent research, we now know hydroxyapatite in drusen suggests progression to advanced AMD. What is hydroxyapatite? It is the main inorganic material in tooth enamel and bone. It has calcium and phosphate in it. In short, we need it. No calcium and phosphate in our bodies and our bones become extremely brittle. That is EXTREMELY brittle.
Why is this stuff going to our eyes and not into our bones? It does have other uses in our bodies, but for my purposes here, my answer is I have no clue. Ask your doctor.
Throughout the article (as well as some other articles I scanned) it was suggested this discovery may someday help people to find dietary answers to AMD. That is a huge emphasis on someday folks. No one is ready to tell you to limit calcium and phosphorus.
In the Healthline article on calcification, it was reported that while 99% of the calcium in your body is generally in your bones and teeth where it belongs, some disorders may cause it to go to other locations. These causes may include infection, calcium metabolism disorders, genetic or autoimmune disorders and/or persistent inflammation. (If I had to buy the proverbial pig in a poke on this one, I would go with one of the last two options, but, again, what do I know?)
The Healthline article goes on to report researchers have not found a link between dietary calcium and a higher risk for calcium deposits. That apparently means my lifelong love affair with milk and ice cream is safe for now. Phew! [Lin/Linda: the title Got Milk? comes from the past campaign run by the California Milk Processor Board.]
Preventing calcification may initially involve nothing more than asking your doctor for regular blood tests checking your levels. Too high? Check your medications first. Cholesterol, high blood pressure and hormone replacement medications can mess up the way calcium is used in your body. Stop taking calcium-loaded antacids and have your kidney and parathyroid functions checked. Those can be factors as well. Lastly, STOP SMOKING! Smoking is associated with increased calcification in your heart and major arteries. It may not be putting calcium in your eyes, but if you die of a heart attack, that is a moot point.
Finally, listen to your doctor. None of us is getting any younger. Many of us are dealing with snafus in multiple systems. If your doctor says you need extra calcium, take the blankety-blank extra calcium! The current research on drusen is preliminary at best and should not interfere with the treatment of other conditions.
Bye! Take care! Remember my research skills come cheap, as in free. Keep those cards and letters coming!
Written November 11th, 2018