There is evidence to suggest that consumption of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and flax, can be linked to a reduction in the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in some people, according to researchers writing in the June issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.
A meta-analysis compiled by researchers at the University of Melbourne suggests that omega-3 may cut the risk of AMD by a third. Researchers added up the results of nine previous studies on AMD and omega-3, which collectively included a total of 88,974 participants, including more than 3,000 with AMD. Additionally, an association was observed between eating fish two times a week and having a reduced risk of both early and late AMD.
However, report authors indicate a need for more clinical trials before advocating routine consumption of these foods for the prevention of AMD.
They concluded that: 'Although this meta-analysis suggests that consumption of fish and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with a lower risk of AMD, there is insufficient evidence from the current literature, with few prospective studies and no randomised clinical trials, to support their routine consumption for AMD prevention.'