The addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the diet, particularly in the form of fish, can help prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration vision loss by more than 30 per cent, according to a new study.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people older than 50, and is an eye disease that attacks the central part of the retina called the macula, which controls fine, detailed vision. The condition results in progressive loss of central vision, leaving only peripheral sight, making it difficult to drive a car, read a book or recognize faces.
With an aging population in Canada, the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) expected to increase by 50 per cent over the next two decades.
Previous research has shown that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish may slow the progression of macular degeneration in those in the advanced stages of the disease.
The current study, published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at 1,837 people in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) who had a moderate to high risk of developing advanced macular degeneration.
They found that those with the highest omega-3 fat intake - mainly from fish and seafood - were 30 per cent less likely to progress to advanced AMD over 12 years than their peers who consumed the least.
Those with the highest intake ate the equivalent of about 3 ounces of Atlantic salmon or 5 ounces of rainbow trout per week.
It's thought that an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may work to prevent damage to the retina through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body, it is essential that people get them through their diet., says Canada AM nutrition expert Leslie Beck.
"I would recommend eating oily fish like salmon, trout or sardines twice per week," she says. "If you don't like fish, consider taking a fish oil capsule once or twice daily. If you're a vegetarian, DHA supplements made from algae are available."
Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, which also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may also reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes -- diseases that are linked to AMD.
More studies are underway to investigate the role of the diet and AMD. AREDS2, a five-year randomized trial involving 4,000 people will test the effectiveness of supplementing with certain antioxidants and/or omega-3 fatty acids on the progression to advanced AMD.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
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