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Polyunsaturated fatty acids may influence development of AMD
Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(11):1483-1493.
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A diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids may increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, according to a study.
In a population study of 1,787 women aged 50 to 79 years who completed food questionnaires and were assessed photographically for presence of AMD, ingestion of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in high quantities was associated with a twofold higher prevalence of intermediate AMD compared with ingestion in low quantities.
According to the study, omega-6 is found mainly in vegetable fats. Short-chain omega-3 is found primarily in linolenic acid while long-chain omega-3 is found in marine fats. While diets high in fish intake may protect against AMD risk, individuals in this study were highly likely to consume omega-6 and omega-3 concurrently, such as in tuna salad containing mayonnaise, the researchers said.
"In three past studies in which omega-6 [polyunsaturated fatty acids] were associated with higher risk, a protective association with long-chain omega-3 [polyunsaturated fatty acids] was observed only in conjunction with low levels of omega-6," the study authors said.
Total fat intake was associated with AMD risk in younger women, but was inverted in older women. However, the inverse association in older women may have been confounded by selective mortality bias, the authors said.
According to the study, intake of monounsaturated fatty acids was associated with a lower prevalence of AMD, which may represent a protective effect.