An estimated 9 million US adults over the age of 40 show signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dietary intake of fish, specifically the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has been linked with reduced rates of cardiovascular events in epidemiologic studies, and researchers have suggested similar benefits may be possible for AMD. William G. Christen, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School (Massachusetts, USA) and colleagues report that regular consumption of DHA and EPA is associated with up to a 45% lower risk of visual impairment due to AMD.
Omega-3 May Reduce Risk of AMD Vision Loss
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may significantly reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
William G. Christen; Debra A. Schaumberg; Robert J. Glynn; Julie E. Buring. “Dietary {omega}-3 Fatty Acid and Fish Intake and Incident Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Women.” Arch Ophthalmol, Mar 2011.
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