Age-related macular degeneration: omega-3s help prevent it
Age-related macular degeneration: valuable help from Omega 3s
Age-related degenerative maculopathy, a disease that causes vision loss, is associated with low blood Omega 3 concentrations. Regular fish consumption could reduce the risk of developing the disease because of the protective action that EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid) fatty acids have on the retina.
This is according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Créteil (France) and published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.
Un illness that affects the elderly
Degenerative maculopathy is in industrialized countries the main cause of lowered visual acuity, in the elderly. It is due to progressive alteration of the central region of the retina, the macula, and can occur in two forms: dry and neovascular, the latter being the least frequent and the most severe. It is a multifactorial disease, meaning that it depends on genetic and environmental factors (especially smoking and diet). Omega-3s have important structural and protective functions in the retina and its function. The anti-inflammatory properties of EPA and DHA are of particular interest in studies of macular degeneration since 'inflammation appears to play a key role in this condition. In 2008, an epidemiological study showed a significant reduction in disease risk in subjects with high dietary fish consumption.
EPA and DHA are reduced in patients with maculopathy
A total of 290 subjects with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in one eye and early-stage age-related macular degeneration in the other eye were selected for the study. Another 144 healthy individuals were included as a control group. Using a questionnaire, the researchers checked the dietary habits, particularly fish consumption, of all participants. After 12 hours of fasting, the level of omega-3 fatty acids in serum was assessed for each individual by gas chromatography, a special technique that allows certain substances to be separated and identified. Next, the Omega-3 index was measured, which is the percentage of EPA and DHA present in red blood cell membranes relative to total membrane fatty acids. Finally, the scientists evaluated the association between neovascular maculopathy, fish consumption, and blood Omega-3 concentration. The results showed that in patients with the disorder, the intake of fish products and, consequently, the concentration of EPA and EPA and DHA were lower than those found in the control group.
Omega-3s: signal molecules of macular degeneration risk
In this study, EPA and DHA and, in particular, the Omega-3 Index were identified as signal molecules of dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids. omega-3s may be a criterion for identifying individuals at risk of neovascular degenerative maculopathy who would most benefit from nutritional intervention. In contrast, the action of Omega-3s on other forms of retinopathy cannot be confirmed by this study. To stay up-to-date on the latest news from Omega-3 scientific research, sign up for our newsletter.
Source: Merle BM, Benlian P, Puche N, Bassols A, Declourt C, Souied E. Circulating omega-3 fatty acids and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 Feb 20. pii: iovs.14-13916v1. doi: 10.1167/iovs.14-13916
