Antioxidants and Omega-3s Reduce Risk of AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world among individuals over the age of 55. It affects some 25 to 30 million people worldwide, but that number is expected to triple with the aging Baby Boomer generation. AMD is the deterioration if the macula, part of the central retina. This deterioration results in a loss of the central vision, leaving only peripheral vision.

In 2001, the results of an 8-year clinical trial on AMD prevention, called the "Age-Related Eye Disease Study" (AREDS) were published. This groundbreaking study sponsored by the National Eye Institute, one of the National Institutes of Health, found that a combination of antioxidant vitamins and minerals, could reduce the risk of developing AMD. The group of supplements, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper, are commonly called the "AREDS supplement."

More recent research has indicated that omega-3 fatty acid intake may play a role in AMD development. Diets that are higher in omega-3 seem to have a beneficial effect on AMD. Additionally, studies have also indicated that the type, and perhaps quantities, of carbohydrate intake may also play a role in AMD development. Diets containing low Glycemic Index carbohydrates may also reduce AMD risk compared to diets containing high Glycemic Index carbs.

The Glycemic Index ranks carbohydrates by how easily and quickly they are processed by the body. Carbohydrates that have a high Glycemic Index are easily processed by the body, and result in a spike in the blood-glucose and insulin levels. This is believed to have a myriad of negative effects on the body, not the least of which are insulin resistance, diabetes, and weight gain. Foods with a low Glycemic Index, are processed by the body at a slower rate and do not cause the spike in blood glucose or insulin.

New research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology by researchers from Tufts University and the University of Wisconsin has found that dietary Omega-3 fatty acids and a low Glycemic Index diet may provide additional reductions in the risk of AMD progression. In the study, the researchers analyzed dietary information and vision tests from 2,924 participants of AREDS. The analysis showed that those who received the AREDS supplement and had the highest average daily intake (more than 64mg) of the fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had a 27% lower risk of AMD progression than those with the lowest intake (less than 26mg daily). Likewise, those receiving the supplement and had the highest daily intake (more than 42mg daily) of the fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) had a 26% reduction of risk, when compared to those with the lowest intake (less than 12.7mg daily). When the researchers looked at the Glycemic Index, they found that those with the lowest dietary Glycemic Index had 24% lower risk of AMD progression than those with the highest dietary Glycemic Index. When looking at the placebo group from the study--those who did not receive the AREDS supplement--only DHA intake had a significant effect on risk of progression of early AMD.

In summing up the findings, the researchers noted that consuming a diet rich in DHA is associated "with lower progression of early AMD." While the AREDS supplement, lower dietary glycemic index, and higher intakes of DHA and EPA were "associated with reduced progression to advanced AMD.”

Whole Health offers Optim-Eyes™ High-Potency Vision Support, a supplement that provides all the components of the AREDS supplement along with other eye health-promoting supplements (lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthan, and n-acetyl-cysteine) as well as a broad selection of Essential Fatty Acids. Learn more about these and other products at our Eye Health page.

1. Chiu, C. J., R. Klein, et al. (2009). "Does eating particular diets alter risk of age-related macular degeneration in users of the age-related eye disease study supplements?" Br J Ophthalmol.