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Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Macular Degeneration
 A meta-analysis published in the June 2008 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology
found that consumption of foods high in
omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and
flax, is linked to a reduction in the risk of age-related
macular degeneration
(AMD) - a common eye
disease.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe
vision
loss among elderly people. There are a few newer treatments for certain forms of
AMD, but they are not without risk.
To evaluate the potential association between omega-3 fatty acids and AMD
prevention, researcher Elaine W-T. Chong, M.B.B.S. (University of Melbourne,
Australia) and colleagues systematically reviewed studies that were published
before May 2007. They analyzed nine studies that contained 88,974 participants,
of which 3,203 had AMD. Combining the study results, the researchers found that
patients with a high dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids had a 38% lower risk
of late (more advanced) AMD. Additionally, an association was observed between
eating fish two times a week and having a reduced risk of both early and late
AMD.
The physiological explanation for the association is in part due to the fact
that, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid in particular, form
an integral part of the neural retina. AMD may begin as an omega-3 fatty acid
deficiency results from the shedding and regeneration of these outer nerve cells
of the retina. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids an d fish, as a proxy for
long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake, has therefore been hypothesized as a means
to prevent AMD.
However, there is a need for more clinical trials before they
advocating a routine consumption of these foods for the prevention of AMD.
Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Found in plant and marine sources
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Plant Sources:
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Flax
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Walnuts
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Canola Oil
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