Fatty Fish Reduces Macular Degeneration in Women

BOSTONWomen who consume a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduce their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a new study posted online in the Archives of Ophthalmology. The finding suggest eating one or more servings of fish per week was associated with a 42-percent lower risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Harvard researchers reviewed food questionnaires from 38,002 women enrolled in a heart disease and cancer prevention trial called the Women's Health Study. None of the women had been diagnosed with AMD prior to the start of the study. Data revealed older women were more likely to consume higher amounts of both omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), as well as omega-6 fatty acids arachidonic acid and linoleic acid.

Over the course of a 10-year follow-up, 235 cases of age-related macular degeneration were reported. In analyses that adjusted for age and treatment assignment, women who consumed the most DHA compared with women who consumed the lowest amount had a 38 percent lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Similar results were observed for higher intake of EPA and for higher consumption of both types of acid together. Women who ate one or more servings of fish every week had a 42-percent lower risk of AMD than those who consumed fish just once a month or less. According to the researchers, most of the lower risk was linked to fish diets composed mainly of canned tuna and dark-meat fish

For omega-6 fatty acids, higher intake of linoleic acid but not arachidonic acid was associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration; however, the association was non-significant after adjustment for other risk factors and fats.