Move over Lutein. Omega 3’s Shown to Protect Vision
Are you finding that you can’t read those street signs so well anymore or that fine print has gotten smaller? Well, you’re not alone. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment in mature North Americans. There is no cure for AMD, and treatment does not usually restore vision but only prevents disease progression to a slight degree. (In childhood and middle age diabetic retinopathy is the more common disorder affecting over 1.5 million people). One critical problem common to both diseases is the loss of blood vessels and abnormal re-growth after injury.
A new study in published in Nature Medicine (June 2007) this week, showed that increasing omega-3 fatty acids by dietary means could reduce the pathological effects of these diseases in an experimental model. This study supports the clinical trials done in humans that show a connection between improved eye health and dietary micronutrients.
We only have one set of eyes. They’re not one of those body parts that can be functionally replaced. To help protect your eyesight here is what you need right now…
Magnesium
Vascular regulation can be improved systemically with magnesium.
Omega-3-fatty acids
Omega-3-fatty acids can improve blood flow regulation in the eye. Higher intake of omega-3 long chain poly unsaturated fatty acids is associated with decreased likelihood of having AMD and cataract as well as with delaying the progression of intermediate AMD to advanced AMD. Flax seed oil is an excellent source of omega-3’s and it avoids the concern of mercury toxicity from improperly processed fish oils.
Antioxidants
A formulation composed of vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and zinc used in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was shown to prevent the development of advanced age-related macular degeneration by 25%. Antioxidants should be from whole food sources not synthetic chemicals for proper absorption. I have found one company that produces an antioxidant/multivitamin formula from organic whole foods. It’s called ‘Complete Life’ .
Sodium
Reduce your sodium intake. A high-salt diet may increase the risk of posterior cataract.
Look on the bright side. A healthy diet and supplementation where necessary can improve your eyesight. That’s good news for your eyes.
Arch Ophthalmol. 2007 May;125(5):671-9.Am J Ophthalmol. 2007 Jun;143(6):932-939. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2003 Jun;14(3):159-62Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2007 May;18(3):220-3Expert Opin Emerg Drugs. 2007 May;12(2):195-8Nature Medicine 13, 868 - 873 (2007)