Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevent the Development of Macular Degeneration

Until now, research from the National Eye Instituteyears or older. This is a very important fact.
and others has shown benefit to taking macularBecause aging changes of the retina most
degeneration supplements only after you'vecommonly develops after age 60, this study
developed dry macular degeneration. But a studyinforms us that ingesting omega-3 fatty acids at
in the June 2008 issue of the professional journal,least 10 years before that has an important
Archives of Ophthalmology has finally shown thebenefit in the prevention of a potentially blinding
benefit to previously healthy people in theeye disease.
prevention of both mild and severe forms of thisHow does this study compare with AREDS
eye disease. Researchers from Australia and(Age-Related Eye Disease Study)?
Singapore published a study entitled, "DietaryThe Age-Related Eye Disease Study was
Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Fish Intake in thecompleted by the National Eye Institute, part of
Primary Prevention of Age-Related Macularthe United States National Institutes of Health in
Degeneration: A Systematic Review and2001. There are two important ways in which this
Meta-analysis." This meta-analysis consisted of astudy differs from AREDS. 1. AREDS looked at
mathematical evaluation of the results from ninethe benefit to taking nutritional supplements on
previous studies of nearly 89,000 people, of whichthe progression of macular degeneration in people
more than 3000 developed macular degeneration.that already had the disease. In contrast, the
The authors found that high dietary intake ofomega-3 study evaluated people before they had
Omega-3 fatty acids was associates with a 38%the disease in an effort to determine whether
reduction in the risk of late macular degeneration.AMD could be prevented. 2. AREDS was a
Furthermore, people who ate fish twice weeklyrandomized, prospective double-blind study
not only reduced their risk of late AMD, but also(neither the participant nor scientists knew
early AMD (soft drusen or retinal pigmentarywhether the the person was receiving real
changes).supplement or placebo). The current study of
How do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Preventomega-3 essential fatty acids was a meta-analytic
Macular Degeneration?mathematical evaluation of prior research that had
Omega-3 Fatty acids are called "essential" fattyalready been completed. A prospective study is
acids, because humans don't have the ability towidely considered by the scientific community to
synthesize them in their bodies. Therefore, theybe the standard of excellence in research.
must get these molecules from diet or nutritionalNevertheless, this study was based upon nine
supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids includestudies that by themselves which were
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acidconsidered to be of excellent design. Because of
(DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Both DHAthe apparent benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids in
and EPA are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, thatthis and previous studies, the National Eye
protect against oxidative, inflammatory andInstitute is currently performing the Age Related
age-related degenerative changes. These threeEye Disease Study 2, which is looking not only at
damaging processes result in the development ofthe benefit of fish oil, but also at the potential
age-related macular degeneration. Furthermore,benefit of the carotenoids, Lutein and Zeaxanthin.
long-chain omega-3 FA's, and especially DHA, formReference: Dietary É-3 Fatty Acid and Fish
a critical part of the healthy retina.Intake in the Primary Prevention of Age-Related
Who Should Take Omega-3 Fatty Acids based onMacular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and
the current study?Meta-analysis. Chong E, Kreis A, Wong T, Simpson
The current study found benefit in the preventionJ, Guymer R. Archives of Ophthalmology,
of macular degeneration in people that were 49126(6):826-833. June 2008.