According to Australian researchers, eating cold-water fish and other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in elderly people.
The researchers reviewed nine published studies that included a total of 88,974 people, including 3,203 people with AMD. The combined outcomes from the studies suggest that a high dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a 38% reduced risk of late (advanced) AMD, and that eating fish twice a week is associated with a reduced risk of both early and late AMD.
The University of Melbourne scientists noted that omega-3 fatty acids form a vital part of the layer of nerve cells in the retina. Outer cells of the retina are continually shed and regenerated. Because of this, deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids may cause AMD.
Source: Health Day News, June 13, 2008
