Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are antioxidants capable of reducing inflammation in the cardiovascular system, and are correlated with reduced rates of ocular degenerative disease.^{1, 2}

There is also a very direct relation between lipids and ARMD. It has been observed that patients with a higher cholesterol and saturated fat intake have a higher risk of ARMD.³ Also, lipidic depots are precursors of ARMD.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid present in the retina.

DHA plays two major roles:

• Functional
• It plays a critical role in the development of the retina⁴
• It nourishes the photoreceptors so they can keep their functionality⁵
• Protective
• It extends photoreceptors life thanks to its anti-apoptotic action^{6, 7}
• It helps reduce the accumulation of lipofuscin⁸

The intake of DHA helps reduce the risk of ARMD.⁵

The combination of Lutein and Omega-3 increases the MPOD.⁹

1. Johnson E et al. Potential role of dietary Omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of dementia and macular degeneration. Am J Clinical Nutrition 2006.
2. Cho E et al. Prospective study of dietary fat and the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Am J Clinical Nutririon 2001.
3. Mares-Perlman JA et al. Dietary fat and age-related maculopathy. Arch. Ophthalmol 1996.
4. Birch DG et al. Retinal development in very-low-birth-weight infants fed diets differing in omega-3 fatty acids. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1992.
5. San Giovani JP et al. The role of omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in health and disease of retina. Progress in retinal and eye research 2005.
6. Rotstein N et al. Protective effects of DHA oxidative stress-induced apotosis of retina photoreceptors. Invest ophthalmol. Vis Sci 2003.
7. Politi L et al. Effects of DHA on retinal development: cellular and molecular aspects. Lipids 2001.
8. Elner VM et al. Retinal pigment epithelial acid lipase activity and lipoprotein receptors: effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids. Trans. Am. Ophthalmol. Soc. 2002.
9. Snodderly DM et al. The Influence of Supplemental Lutein and Docosahexaenoic Acid on Their Serum Levels and on Macular Pigment. ARVO 2005.