DHA May Help Prevent Macular Degeneration

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - Byron Richards, CCN

The omega 3 essential fatty acid known as DHA is intimately involved with eye health from a very early age and a number of epidemiologic studies have indicated that omega 3 oils may reduce the risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  A new animal study by researchers at the National Eye Institute (NIH) sought to identify molecular mechanisms involved.  The researchers showed that a diet high in omega 3 oils can significantly prevent and in some cases reverse the AMD-like lesions in their animal model.

The researchers concluded that “the results in these mice are in line with the epidemiological studies of AMD risk reduction by long chain n-3 fatty acids, [The results} further provide the scientific basis for the application of omega-3 fatty acids and their biologically active derivatives in the prevention and treatment of AMD.”

The researchers showed that the omega 3 oils could directly lower the amount of inflammatory signals within the structure of the eye (TNFa and IL6), signals that are part of the process that leads to lesion formation. 

Omega 3 oils, especially DHA, are woefully lacking in the American diet and should be supplemented by one and all.  Doing so is likely to avoid a serious eye problem that affects 10% of the elderly population.

Related Entries: Lutein and Zeaxanthin Protect Against Macular Degeneration
B Vitamins Reduce Risk of Macular Degeneration
Fish Oil Cuts Macular Degeneration Risk in Half
DHA Stabilizes Carotid Artery Plaque

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