Omega 3 fatty acids (omega 3s)

Indication: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)


Source: Arch Ophthalmol, June 2008;126(6):826-33.

Research: Researchers systematically reviewed the evidence on dietary omega 3 fatty acid and fish intake in the primary prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Seven databases were systematically searched with no limits on publication year or language using standardized criteria. Randomized, controlled trials and prospective cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies were included. Of 2754 abstracts identified, 3 prospective cohort, 3 case-control, and 3 cross-sectional studies met the criteria.

Results: These 9 studies provided data on a total sample of 88,974 people, including 3203 AMD cases. A high dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids was associated with a 38% reduction in the risk of late AMD. Fish intake at least twice a week was also associated with a reduced risk of both early AMD and late AMD. Although this meta-analysis suggests that consumption of fish and foods rich in omega 3s may be asso­ciated with a lower risk of AMD, re­searchers still believe there is insufficient evidence from the current literature—with few prospective studies and no randomized clinical trials—to support their routine consumption for AMD prevention.