In a nutshell
The authors aimed to determine whether an intake of omega-3 fatty acids decreased the incidence of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes over the age of 55 years. The authors concluded that an omega-3 fatty acid intake of over 500 mg/d was associated with a decreased risk of sight-threatening retinopathy.
Some background
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an eye disease that affects the blood vessels in the lining at the back of the eye. This diabetes-related complication can lead to impaired vision and possible blindness.
Omega-3 fatty acids are fat sources that the body needs to function. They are found chiefly in specific fish oils or nuts, including walnuts, uncanned oily fish, lean fish, smoked/salted fish, shrimps, prawns, and crayfish. Omega-3 fatty acids have suggested health benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes and DR. It is not clear whether they can lower the risk of developing DR.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to determine the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in type 2 diabetes patients with DR.
3,482 patients were included in this study with a follow-up of 6 years. 75% of patients met the recommended omega-3 fatty acid intake (more than 500 mg/d). These patients were assigned to one of three diet groups. This included the Mediterranean diet (including extra virgin olive oil), the MeDiet (supplemented with nuts) or a controlled diet (reduction in all dietary fats).
69 new DR events occurred during the follow-up period. Patients who met the recommended fatty acid intake experienced a 48% reduced risk of incident sight-threatening DR. Higher risk reductions occurred in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes for more than 5 years and patients treated with insulin at the beginning of the study. Patients who had a higher yearly intake of fatty acids had a 52% reduced risk of sight-threatening DR.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that omega-3 fatty acid intake of over 500 mg/d was associated with a decreased risk of sight-threatening DR in middle-aged and older type 2 diabetes patients.
What’s next?
Discuss with your doctor or nutritionist ways to include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.
Published By :
JAMA ophthalmology
Date :
Aug 18, 2016
