Copper depletion can trigger apoptosis of RPE and retinal cells, contributing to mechanisms of AMD.


Copper, found in foods typical of the Mediterranean diet, plays a critical role in various biological processes, including antioxidant defense and extracellular matrix biosynthesis. In a recent study, researchers investigated the relationship between the intake of copper, as well as iron, zinc, selenium in diet and late AMD, and found that out of all of these elements, increased copper consumption is associated with a reduced risk of late AMD, especially in those between the ages of 70 and 85.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) 1 and AREDS 2 study demonstrated similar results, indicating that copper consumption was linked to reduced late-stage AMD risk.

The authors suggest that more research into the mechanism linking copper and late AMD development is warranted.