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 Two new studies on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) suggest that a combination of DHA (fish oil) and lutein may work synergistically in the prevention of AMD.
The first study found that 800 mg/day of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and which is found in the retina increased the optical density of the macular pigment. The second study found that 12 mg/day of the flavonoid lutein also increased the optical density; however, whereas the DHA increased it centrally, lutein increased the optical density eccentrically. This suggest that these nutrients may reduce the development of age-related macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration is a medical condition predominantly found in elderly adults in which the center of the inner lining of the eye, known as the macula area of the retina, suffers thinning, atrophy, and in some cases, bleeding. This can result in loss of central vision, which entails inability to see fine details, to read, or to recognize faces. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is the leading cause of central vision loss (blindness) in the United States today for those over the age of fifty years.
Ref: The influence of supplemental lutein and docosahexaenoic acid on serum, lipoproteins, and macular pigmentation," Johnson EJ, Chung HY, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2008 May;87(5):1521-9
BACKGROUND: Lutein and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lutein is a component of macular pigment. DHA is in the retina. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this 4-mo study was to determine the effects of lutein (12 mg/d) and DHA (800 mg/d) on their serum concentrations and macular pigment optical density (MPOD). DESIGN: Forty-nine women (60-80 y) were randomly assigned to placebo, DHA, lutein, or lutein + DHA supplement. Serum was analyzed for lutein and DHA (0, 2, and 4 mo). MPOD was determined (0 and 4 mo) at 0.4, 1.5, 3, and 5 degrees temporal retinal eccentricities. Serum was analyzed for lipoproteins (4 mo). RESULTS: There was no interaction between lutein and DHA supplementations for serum lutein and MPOD. The lutein supplementation x DHA supplementation x month interaction was significant for serum DHA response (P < 0.05). In the lutein group, serum lutein increased from baseline at 2 and 4 mo (P < 0.001), and MPOD increased at 3.0 degrees (P < 0.01). In the DHA group, serum DHA increased at 2 and 4 mo (P < 0.0001), and MPOD increased at 0.4 degrees (P < 0.05). In the lutein + DHA group, serum lutein and DHA increased at 2 and 4 mo (P < 0.01), and MPOD increased at 0.4, 1.5, and 3 degrees (P = 0.06, 0.08, and 0.09, respectively). Differences from placebo in lipoprotein subfractions were greatest for the lutein + DHA group (4 mo). CONCLUSIONS: Lutein supplementation increased MPOD eccentrically. DHA resulted in central increases. These results may be due to changes in lipoproteins. Lutein and DHA may aid in prevention of age-related macular degeneration. Contact Sphere Healthcare customer service for further information.
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