Evidence supporting the use of: Marine lipid
For the health condition: Macular Degeneration

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Marine lipids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been investigated for their potential role in supporting eye health and slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The scientific basis for their use stems from epidemiological studies and some interventional trials. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to contribute to retinal health by exerting anti-inflammatory effects, supporting cell membrane integrity, and possibly reducing the abnormal growth of blood vessels associated with advanced AMD.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), a major randomized controlled trial, specifically examined the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to an established antioxidant formula for AMD. The study found that while dietary intake of fish and omega-3s was associated with a lower risk of AMD in observational studies, supplementation with EPA and DHA did not provide a statistically significant additional benefit over the original AREDS formulation in reducing progression to advanced AMD. However, some smaller studies and meta-analyses suggest a modest protective effect of higher dietary intake of marine lipids, though the overall evidence is mixed.

In summary, there is scientific interest and some evidence supporting the use of marine lipids for AMD, particularly from observational data, but large randomized trials have not confirmed a strong benefit of supplementation. Thus, the scientific evidence is moderate but not definitive, and marine lipids remain an area of ongoing research rather than established therapy for AMD.

More about marine lipid
More about Macular Degeneration