What to Eat to Battle Macular Degeneration

Jeff Jurmain, MA

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in older adults. A new study says that omega- 3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as tuna and salmon can protect against progression of AMD, but the benefits depend on a couple of factors. 1) How long the person has had AMD and 2) What supplements the person is taking.

From questionnaires of nearly 3,000 men and women (aged 55 to 80), researchers calculated intakes of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) through the diet. These are the two most powerful forms of fish oil rich in omega-3s.

The people in the study were participating in an eight-year supplement trial through the National Eye Institute.

This study suggested that taking supplements of antioxidants plus zinc prevents progression of late-stage AMD.

Study participants were randomly allocated to receive either a placebo or supplements containing the antioxidants vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, the minerals zinc and copper, or a combination of both.

The study found that people in early stages of AMD benefitted from greater intakes of DHA. But high doses of antioxidants and/or the minerals seemed to interfere with these benefits.

As for those with advanced AMD, the supplements did not interfere with either fish oil's benefits. People who consumed higher amounts of DHA and EPA had a lower risk of AMD progression.

The main thrust of the study was that omega-3 fatty acids, combined with antioxidant supplements and a diet of whole, unprocessed foods, could act against the progression of AMD. If you have the condition, increasing your intake of fatty fish could help keep your eyesight from deteriorating further.

The best foods to add to the equation are low-glycemic foods, meaning foods that do not trigger a sharp rise and fall in blood sugar levels after you consume them. These help you avoid possible cellular damage in your retinas. Low-glycemic foods, such as whole grain pasta and bread, have a milder effect on blood sugar response. Previous studies suggest that substituting five whole-grain bread slices for five white bread slices cut nearly eight percent of advanced AMD over five years.

Also, eating two to three servings of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, shellfish and herring every week would achieve the recommended daily intake of DHA and EPA. Most Americans don't achieve that each week, and the researchers say that supplements can easily be used.

While these results need further clarification through other studies, there is clearly some healthy dietary moves you can take to preserve your vision.

Source:
What to Eat to Battle Macular Degeneration Chiu, C.J., et al., "Does eating particular diets alter risk of age- related macular degeneration in users of the age-related eye disease study supplements?" British Journal of Ophthalmology, Published Online First: 9 June 2009.

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