News
Genes may play a role in vitamin D deficiency
10 June 2010
Gene variants may indicate a risk of having low levels of vitamin D, suggests a new study.
16 March 2011
Omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by up to 45 percent, according to a new US study.
The observational study examined the relationship between dietary intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and fish with visually significant age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over a ten year follow-up of 38,022 female health professionals (1). The study results showed that women who consumed the most DHA compared with women who consumed the lowest amount had a 38 percent lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, while higher intake of EPA resulted in a 35 percent lower risk. Results for fish intake showed that consumption of one or more servings of fish per week, when compared to less than one per month, was associated with a 42 percent lower risk of AMD. This association was independent of other AMD risk factors.
The researchers deemed the trial’s results the strongest evidence to date in support of the role of omega-3 long-chain fatty acids in the primary prevention of AMD, and perhaps a reduction in the number of persons who ultimately have advanced AMD. As for the large majority of persons with early or no AMD, recognized means of disease prevention where not shown. Identification of such a means to prevent or delay the development of AMD would have marked public health significance.
Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in individuals aged 60 and older. It is a disease that destroys the sharp, central vision necessary to seeing objects clearly and doing tasks such as reading and driving. Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect macular degeneration before the disease causes vision loss.
10 June 2010
Gene variants may indicate a risk of having low levels of vitamin D, suggests a new study.
8 February 2018
This Valentine’s Day, say it with fish, not flowers! On the one day of the year that we think most of our hearts, be sure to talk to a loved one about the importance of omega-3s for heart health.
1 February 2009
“A recently published evaluation of data from the VITamins And Lifestyle cohort study discusses the connection between antioxidants and the incidence of lung cancer."