Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the body system: Senses

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Synopsis

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

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have scientific evidence supporting their role in the Senses body system, most notably in visual and, to a lesser extent, auditory health. DHA is a major structural component of the retina, and adequate levels are essential for proper visual development and function. Clinical studies have demonstrated that omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and infancy supports normal visual development in infants. In adults, some evidence suggests that higher omega-3 intake may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss. A prominent example is the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), which investigated omega-3 supplementation for AMD but found no significant benefit for progression to advanced AMD; however, other observational studies still suggest a protective effect on retinal health.

Regarding hearing, research is more limited but suggests a potential protective effect of omega-3s against age-related hearing loss, possibly through anti-inflammatory or vascular mechanisms, given the importance of blood flow in auditory function. While omega-3s have a well-established role in neural and visual development, the overall evidence for supplementation in the general population for sensory support is moderate, with stronger support for vision (especially retinal health) than for other senses. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids are scientifically validated for supporting aspects of the Senses system, particularly vision, but the strength of evidence varies by specific sense and population group.

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