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May 18, 2007
Omega-3 fatty acids protective against advanced age-related macular degeneration
Having a greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish was found to be associated with a reduced risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a report published in the the May, 2007 issue of the American Medical Association journal Archives of Ophthalmology. Age-related macular degeneration occurs when the macula at the back of the eyes' retina deteriorates, which can lead to central vision loss.
In a study conducted by The Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group, 4,519 individuals aged 60 to 80 upon enrollment completed questionnaires concerning the previous year's dietary intake and underwent retinal photography to assess the presence and stage of macular degeneration.
While 1,115 participants were free of AMD symptoms, 2,746 were classified in intermediate stages, and 658 were found to have advanced (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration. The research team determined that a greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as fish, which is a source of the omega-3s, was associated with a reduced risk of advanced disease. When fish intake was examined, consuming more than two servings per week provided the greatest protection.
"Dietary total omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake was inversely associated with neovascular AMD, as was docosahexaenoic acid," the authors write. "Higher fish consumption, both total and broiled/baked, was also inversely associated with neovascular AMD."
Omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid may protect the retina by influencing gene expression, retinal cell differentiation, and survival. Other properties of the fatty acids may also be involved, including their ability to reduce inflammation.
The authors conclude, "These results and those from other observational analytic investigations suggest that modifying diet to include more foods rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids could result in a reduction in the risk of having neovascular age-related macular degeneration."
Omega-3 fatty acids protective against advanced age-related macular degeneration
Having a greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish was found to be associated with a reduced risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a report published in the the May, 2007 issue of the American Medical Association journal Archives of Ophthalmology. Age-related macular degeneration occurs when the macula at the back of the eyes' retina deteriorates, which can lead to central vision loss.
In a study conducted by The Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group, 4,519 individuals aged 60 to 80 upon enrollment completed questionnaires concerning the previous year's dietary intake and underwent retinal photography to assess the presence and stage of macular degeneration.
While 1,115 participants were free of AMD symptoms, 2,746 were classified in intermediate stages, and 658 were found to have advanced (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration. The research team determined that a greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as fish, which is a source of the omega-3s, was associated with a reduced risk of advanced disease. When fish intake was examined, consuming more than two servings per week provided the greatest protection.
"Dietary total omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake was inversely associated with neovascular AMD, as was docosahexaenoic acid," the authors write. "Higher fish consumption, both total and broiled/baked, was also inversely associated with neovascular AMD."
Omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid may protect the retina by influencing gene expression, retinal cell differentiation, and survival. Other properties of the fatty acids may also be involved, including their ability to reduce inflammation.
The authors conclude, "These results and those from other observational analytic investigations suggest that modifying diet to include more foods rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids could result in a reduction in the risk of having neovascular age-related macular degeneration."
