Dr. Grossman’s Blog

Researchers have released a new study showing that regular consumption of fish, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and nuts helps protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The study, published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, assessed the relationship between dietary fatty acids and the 10-year incident of AMD.

Scientists examined 3654 elderly Australian participants at baseline and re-examined 2454 of these participants five and/or ten years later.  Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire.

The findings confirmed many previous studies on AMD.  After adjusting for age, sex, and smoking:

• one serving of fish per week was associated with reduced risk of early AMD primarily among participants with less than the median linoleic acid consumption
• findings were similar for consumption of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids:  one to two servings of nuts per week was associated with reduced risk of early AMD 
• protective associations between nut consumption and reduced risk of pigmentary abnormalities were seen among nonsmokers, participants with less than the median ratio of serum total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and those with beta carotene intake greater than the median level.

This study provides evidence of protection against early AMD through:

• regular consumption of fish and nuts
• greater consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
• low intakes of foods rich in linoleic acid

Read more about AMD and natural eye care

Learn which foods to eat to help maintain good eye health

SOURCE:  Dietary Fatty Acids and the 10-Year Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, The Blue Mountains Eye Study, Tan, et al, Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(5):656-665.