New research explores the role of diet in preventing early vision loss.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports examined the relationship between dietary fatty acid intake and AMD risk using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
The researchers used dietary recall interviews to measure participants’ intake of specific fatty acids, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and analyzed their relationship with AMD risk.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that the body cannot produce on its own, meaning they must be obtained through diet or supplements. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and AMD Risk Reduction:
The study found that higher intake of 3 omega-3 fatty acids—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—was significantly associated with a lower risk of early-stage AMD. Specifically:
2. No Association with Late AMD:
While the protective effects of fatty acids were evident in early AMD, the study did not find a significant link between fatty acid intake and late-stage AMD, including GA or neovascular AMD.
3. Importance of Preventative Diets:
Given the lack of treatment options for certain types of AMD, this study highlights the potential role of a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids in slowing disease progression or reducing the risk of developing AMD in the first place.
If you’re living with or at risk for AMD, consider incorporating more omega-3-rich foods into your diet as part of your overall eye health plan. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, these dietary changes could complement other strategies, such as quitting smoking, managing blood pressure and regular eye exams.
Diet alone may not be enough. Also talk to your doctor about adding an AREDS 2 eye vitamin to your AMD plan.
By adopting a proactive approach to your diet and overall health, you can take meaningful steps to reduce the risk of vision loss and improve your quality of life.
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