Fish Oil Cuts Risk for Age-related Macular Degeneration

The essential fatty acids of fish oil (such as DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement.) have been shown to reduce the incidence of age-related macular degeneration¹ (AMD) by 30% over a 12-year study period involving 1837 people.  The authors suggest that their study supports “the development of low-cost and easily implemented preventive interventions for progression to advanced AMD.”

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly, damaging the macula (central part of the retina), resulting in blurring or darkness in the center of the field of vision.  This study looked into long chain omega 3 fatty acids in those at high risk for progressing from the initial stages of the problem to the more advanced loss of vision. 

The highest consumption of fish oil was associated with significantly less dry or wet macular degeneration over the 12-year study period.  This human study supports findings from earlier animal studies; offering a rather simple way to reduce an otherwise debilitating problem faced by many aging Americans.