New Omega-3 Oil Could Prevent Leading Cause of Blindness: Study

A team of scientists from the University of Illinois has discovered a new kind of omega-3 oil that can help in the prevention of vision loss associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. This new form of omega-3 oil is easily absorbed into the retina from our bloodstreams, providing a potential solution to vision problems linked with these diseases.

New Omega-3 Oil Easily Absorbed into the Retina

The new lysophospholipid form of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or LPC-DHA, has been created by the team of researchers to help increase DHA in the retina, a nutrient vital in maintaining the health of one’s eyes. Its formulation is said to be superior to the current offerings on the market, including triacylglycerol-DHA supplements, which do not efficiently supply DHA to the retina upon ingestion.

With low DHA levels present in individuals with AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and Alzheimer’s disease, this new discovery could pave the way for the prevention of these diseases.

Preventing Vision Loss with LPC-DHA

Dosing the mice that were utilized for the experiment with LPC-DHA equivalent to between 250 to 500 milligrams per day in humans, the researchers discovered that retinal DHA could be increased by approximately 100 percent in normal adult mice using this compound. Conversely, retinal DHA levels could not be increased efficiently by dietary TAG-DHA or free DHA from available supplements in their Alzheimer’s disease animal model.

AMD affects 10 percent of Americans over the age of 50, and it can lead to loss or weakening of central vision. While LPC-DHA is a possible solution to the issue, the innovative oil could also help prevent diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness when left untreated.

The Importance of DHA in Eye Health

DHA is essential for eye health, being both a structural and functional component of the retina, which is responsible for light detection, and the efficient transmission of signals to the brain. In addition, DHA helps maintain the fluidity of the membranes in the retina, which is necessary for proper functioning.

In the current market, omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown to benefit the meibomian glands, which help produce tears’ oily component. Improved function of those glands can ease dry eye symptoms. However, there is still little evidence that directly applying omega-3 supplements to the eye has any significant effect in improving eye conditions.

It should be noted that while the results of the study are promising, further studies will be required to determine the compound’s efficacy in humans.