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Health News Archive 623 - Vision
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduce Risk of Advanced AMD

• Margarine and Corn Oil Increase AMD Risk 54%

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.

On the other hand, increased consumption of the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) was associated with a 54 percent increase in neovascular AMD prevalence. "Because increased intake of AA is also associated with an increased likelihood of having NV AMD, it is important to consider the balance and composition of dietary long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from the omega-3 and omega-6 families," said the researchers.  Vegetable oils are sources of omega-6.  Common sources of omega-6 include margarine, vegetable oils (corn, safflower), salad dressing, and prepared foods.

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."  Alternatively, fish oil supplements are available. There are a number of good fish oils on the market, but one of the best new ways to get omega-3 polyunsaturated fats is from krill oil.

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the association of lipid intake with baseline severity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).

Methods Age-Related Eye Disease Study participants aged 60 to 80 years at enrollment (N = 4519) provided estimates of habitual nutrient intake through a self-administered semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Stereoscopic color fundus photographs were used to categorize participants into 4 AMD severity groups and a control group (participants with <15 small drusen).

Results Dietary total n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) intake was inversely associated with neovascular (NV) AMD (odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.90), as was docosahexaenoic acid, a retinal -3 LCPUFA (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.36-0.80), comparing highest vs lowest quintile of intake, after adjustment for total energy intake and covariates. Higher fish consumption, both total and broiled/baked, was also inversely associated with NV AMD (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.37-1.00 and OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45-0.93, respectively). Dietary arachidonic acid was directly associated with NV AMD prevalence (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.04-2.29). No statistically significant relationships existed for the other lipids or AMD groups.

Conclusion Higher intake of -3 LCPUFAs and fish was associated with decreased likelihood of having NV AMD.

Source: The Relationship of Dietary Lipid Intake and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Case-Control Study; AREDS Report No. 20; Arch Ophthalmol. 2007 May;125:671-679.

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