Fish/Shellfish: AMD

Nutraceutical: Fish/shellfish
 
Indication: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
 
Source: Ophthalmology, December 2010;117(12):2395-401.
 
Research: A food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate weekly fish/shellfish consumption for 2520 random residents of Salisbury, MD. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) status was determined from fundus photographs obtained at baseline and graded by two masked readers for drusen size, retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities, geographic atrophy (GA) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The association between weekly fish/shellfish intake and risk of AMD was investigated using logistic regression while adjusting for risk factors and correlation between eyes.
 
Results: The distribution of weekly fish/shellfish consumption was not different between specific AMD categories compared with controls. Those with advanced AMD (CNV or GA) were significantly less likely to consume fish/shellfish high in omega 3 fatty acids. There was no relationship of AMD with intake of crab and oysters combined, each of which has high levels of zinc. These data support a protective effect of fish/shellfish intake against advanced AMD.