Nutritional Supplements and Age-related Macular Degeneration – Focus on Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss for which treatment options are limited. The socioeconomic benefits of prevention of AMD are enormous. While considerable observational evidence supports an association between dietary fats and AMD, the relation between specific types of fat and AMD has been unclear. Recent research has focused on the ω-3 polyunsaturated acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The diets of industrialised nations contain higher levels of saturated fats, trans fatty acids and ω-6 fatty acids and less ω-3 fatty acids than they did in the past. This imbalance may have important implications for retinal health. Several observational studies have found that consumption of oily fish and high dietary intakes of DHA and EPA are associated with a reduced risk of developing AMD. Recent studies evaluating nutritional supplements containing ω-3 fatty acids for the treatment of AMD suggest a potential beneficial effect but further research in this area is warranted.