Omega-3 Fish Oil¹

Order Omega-3 Fish Oil This is an Omega 3 fatty acid supplement to support cholesterol balance.2 Each capsule provides 1 IU vitamin E, 1000 mg marine lipid concentrate 300 mg Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 200 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)). Additional ingredients: gelatin, water. The main use of fish oil is for dry eyes.

Effects of Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Macular Degeneration³

Following is the abstract of a recently published study that indicates that these fatty acids, do, in fact, assist with the prevention of age related macular degeneration.

Retinal pigment epithelial acid lipase activity and lipoprotein receptors: effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids.

Elner VM.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.

PURPOSE: To show that fish oil-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, delivered to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) by circulating low-density lipoproteins (LDL), enhance already considerable RPE lysosomal acid lipase activity, providing for more efficient hydrolysis of intralysosomal RPE lipids, an effect that may help prevent development of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

METHODS: Colorimetric biochemical and histochemical techniques were used to demonstrate RPE acid lipase in situ, in vitro, and after challenge with phagocytic stimuli. Receptor-mediated RPE uptake of fluorescently labeled native, aceto-acetylated, and oxidized LDL was studied in vitro and in vivo. LDL effects on RPE lysosomal enzymes were assessed. Lysosomal enzyme activity was compared in RPE cells from monkeys fed diets rich in fish oil to those from control animals and in cultured RPE cells exposed to sera from these monkeys.

RESULTS: RPE acid lipase activity was substantial and comparable to that of mononuclear phagocytes. Acid lipase activity increased significantly following phagocytic challenge with photoreceptor outer segment (POS) membranes. Receptor-mediated RPE uptake of labeled lipoproteins was determined in vitro. Distinctive uptake of labeled lipoproteins occurred in RPE cells and mononuclear phagocytes in vivo. Native LDL enhanced RPE lysosomal enzyme activity. RPE lysosomal enzymes increased significantly in RPE cells from monkeys fed fish oil-rich diets and in cultured RPE cells exposed to their sera.

CONCLUSIONS: RPE cells contain substantial acid lipase for efficient metabolism of lipids imbibed by POS phagocytosis and LDL uptake. Diets rich in fish oil-derived omega-3 fatty acids, by enhancing acid lipase, may reduce RPE lipofuscin accumulation, RPE oxidative damage, and the development of ARMD.

1. Source: DaVinci Labs
2. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
3. Source: National Library of Medicine

Eye Care Naturally describes vision problems in non-technical language and what steps you need to take to prevent problems or slow their progression, and in some cases, arrest them. The author, nutritional eye care specialist Dr. E. Michael Geiger, is an optometrist for many years with extensive experience in eye conditions and nutrition.