Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Lower Macular Degeneration Risk

According to MedPage, a new meta-analysis shows that consuming high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (by eating fish twice a week) was associated with a 38% lowered risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – a  disease that causes severe vision loss in the elderly.

My Take?

This is not a surprising finding, as research in 2007 showed that increased ingestion of fish and vitamin D was linked to a lower risk of AMD. 

In addition, the Blue Mountains Eye Study found that participants who ate the most omega-3 fatty acids had a 59% reduced risk of early disease compared with those who ingested the least. 

And, in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professional Follow-up Study, three omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid [ALA], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and DHA) were found to reduce the risk of early age-related MDA. 

This makes sense because long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), form an integral part of the nervous system of the retina.

The researchers appropriate state that the results of their meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution, at least until randomized trials can be conducted.

However, since eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids improves heart and lipid health, I recommend it highly. 

And, we have no idea if fish oil or omega-3 supplements would have the same effect.

So, my advice still stands – if you have a choice of taking vitamins and supplements in the form of food instead of pills or potions, that’s the way to go.

You can read more about fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids in my book Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook.