A new study provides further evidence that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
A NIH-funded study group led by Dr. Chi-Chao Chan at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, examined the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on a mouse model of AMD. Mice that were given a diet including high levels of omega-3 fatty acids showed slower retinal lesion progression, with improvement in some lesions.
Study authors suggest that 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.”
Excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids include cold water oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines.
SOURCE: Tuo J, et al: A high omega-3 fatty acid diet reduces retinal lesions in a murine model of macular degeneration, Am J Pathol 2009 175: 799-807.