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Omega-3 fatty acids may protect against AMD
Ophthalmology. 2010;117(12):2395-2401.
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A study showed that eating fish and shellfish may defend against age-related macular degeneration.
"Our results suggest a protective effect of selective fish and shellfish intake against the risk of advanced AMD, most likely because of their omega-3 fatty acid content," the study authors said.
The cross-sectional study looked at dietary and ophthalmologic data from 2,520 participants, utilizing a food frequency questionnaire and fundus photographs retrieved at baseline. The photographs were graded for level of AMD through an assessment of drusen size, retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities, geographic atrophy and choroidal neovascularization.
A statistically significant protective effect was observed in cases of advanced AMD, but the study authors did not find that consumption of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids affects symptoms that often precede AMD, in this case large drusen or pigment abnormalities.
Despite previous studies showing that foods with higher zinc content have a protective effect, intake of crab and oysters was not associated with defense against advanced AMD, large drusen or pigment abnormalities.