Omega-3 & Diabetic Retinopathy
An diet rich in omega-3 and lacking omega-6 may protect those with diabetic retinopathy from going blind.
People with diabetic retinopathy lose tiny blood vessels in the retina. As the retina becomes oxygen starved, it starts to grow new abnormal vessels that are fragile. The abnormal vessels can break and bleed. The blood causes growth of scars which can lead to blindness.
A study recently published in Nature Medicine looked at the effect of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on vessel loss and regrowth after injury.
Researchers found that mice with an increase of omega-3 in their diet had 40 – 50% less initial vessel loss in the retina than those mice supplemented with omega-6. The study concluded that an increase of omega-3 in the diet may be a beneficial in preventing retinopathy.
Viteyes® Omega-3 is available as one soft gel daily at only $24.95 for a 3-month supply.
Click here or call 1-800-890-EYES (3937).
K.M. Connor, J.P. SanGiovanni, C. Lofqvist, C.M. Aderman, J. Chen, A. Higuchi, S. Hong, E.A. Pravda, S. Majchrzak, D. Carper, A. Hellstrom, J.X. Kang, E.Y. Chew, N. Salem, Jr, C.N. Serhan, L.E.H. Smith. “Increased dietary intake of -3-polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces pathological retinal angiogenesis.” Nature Medicine. Vol 13, 868 – 873 (2007).
