Omega-3 fats, the kind found in oily fish, have received a lot of attention for their heart benefits. Now, a new study from the National Eye Institute and George Washington University, reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, links consumption of these fats to a reduced risk of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a chronic eye disease that affects more than 10 million Americans.
Of more than 1,800 people at moderate-to-high risk for advanced AMD, those who reported the highest omega-3 intake (mostly from seafood) were about 30% less likely to show a worsening of disease over a 12-year period than those with the lowest omega-3 intake. The association held true for the two types of macular degeneration – wet and dry. Omega-3 fats in fish may reduce inflammation associated with age-related macular degeneration, the authors note. Previous research has also linked omega-3s with reduced risk of AMD.
The study, however, does not prove that omega-3s caused the observed benefits (eating more omega-3s may be a marker of a healthier lifestyle in general), and the findings need to be confirmed. But this research offers one more reason, besides heart health, to eat fish – especially considering that current treatments for AMD are invasive, limited, and expensive, and can have serious side effects. Aim for at least two servings a week of fatty fish, such as wild salmon, sardines, and mackerel. The study did not look at the effects of fish oil supplements.
Source: Healthcommunities
Dr. Bob,
ReplyDeleteWould you say omega 3 is more needed by people that don't eat seafood? What is a normal dosage?
Bobby B.
Bobby,
ReplyDeleteTaking a food supplement is a good way to insure you are getting your required nutrients. The recommended dose is 2-8 grams per week. Fresh water fish is best.
Thank you,
Dr. Bob Moulas
I don't eat fish! So would I need to take more than the a person who eats fish twice a week?
ReplyDelete