Age-related Macular Degeneration: Omega-3 Helps Prevent It

Age-related macular degeneration: valuable help from Omega-3

Age-related macular degeneration, a disease that causes vision loss, is associated with low blood levels of Omega-3. Regular fish consumption may reduce the risk of developing the disease, thanks to the protective action of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) fatty acids on the retina.

This emerges from a study conducted by researchers at the University of Créteil (France) and published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

A disease affecting the elderly

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of decreased visual capacity among the elderly in industrialized countries. It is due to progressive alteration of the central region of the retina, the macula, and can manifest in two forms: dry and neovascular, the latter being less common but more severe. It is a multifactorial disease, depending on genetic and environmental factors (especially smoking and diet). Omega-3s have important structural and protective functions for the retina and its function. The anti-inflammatory properties of EPA and DHA are particularly relevant in studies on 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 among subjects with high fish consumption in their diet.

EPA and DHA are reduced in patients with maculopathy

The study selected 290 subjects with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in one eye and early-stage macular degeneration in the other. Another 144 healthy individuals were included as a control group. Researchers assessed dietary habits, particularly fish consumption, using questionnaires for all participants. After 12 hours of fasting, each individual's serum Omega-3 fatty acid levels were measured using gas chromatography, a technique that separates and identifies specific substances. Then, the Omega-3 index—the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes relative to total membrane fatty acids—was measured. Finally, the association between neovascular maculopathy, fish consumption, and blood Omega-3 concentration was evaluated. Results showed that patients with the disorder had lower fish intake and consequently lower serum EPA and DHA concentrations compared to controls.

Omega-3: signaling molecules for macular degeneration risk

In this study, EPA, DHA, and particularly the Omega-3 Index were identified as markers of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid intake. Omega-3s may serve as criteria to identify individuals at risk for neovascular age-related macular degeneration who could benefit most from nutritional intervention. However, this study could not confirm Omega-3s’ effects on other forms of retinopathy. To stay updated on the latest scientific research about Omega-3, subscribe to 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