Omega-3s May Protect Against Vision Loss
Thursday July 9, 2009
For people suffering from age-related macular degeneration (or AMD, a leading cause of blindness among older Americans), filling up on omega-3 fatty acids may help preserve vision. In a recent study, scientists discovered that eating omega-3-rich oily fish (such as mackerel and salmon) twice weekly helped halt the progression of AMD.
Surveying data on nearly 3,000 people with AMD, the study's authors found that progression to advanced AMD was 25 percent less likely among those who followed a diet high in omega-3s. What's more, study members who stuck to foods low on the glycemic index and who took antioxidant supplements seemed to cut their odds of AMD progression by up to 50 percent.
Available in supplement form, omega-3 fatty acids may also prevent or manage conditions like depression, seasonal allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma.
Comments
Omega 3 may also help to lower high cholesterol
Thank you for this recent article, which shared important information about new discoveries related to Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50 affecting more than 10 million Americans.
While there are some treatments available for AMD, there is no cure. However, there are choices that people can make concerning diet, smoking, and early detection that can dramatically prevent or slow the vision loss associated with AMD.
Left untreated, AMD not only leads to vision loss but to depression and significant reductions in overall quality of life.
We recommend regular eye exams for anyone over the age of 50 or otherwise at risk. Early detection and intervention with treatments and lifestyle modifications are critical for preventing or delaying vision loss. To learn more about AMD and ways to protect vision, visit amdalliance.org
Wanda Hamilton
Chief Executive Officer
AMD Alliance International
Amdalliance.org
Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.A good source of omega 3s are from fish oils. I have been taking fish oils regularly for a year now and have never felt better.
Omega 3 fish oil is the one supplement I will never be without for the rest of my life. From improving depression to enhancing cognition and lowering cholesterol/tryglercides, it really is a miracle pill. I take 1000mg 3 times a day with food.