Dietary fatty acids and the 10-year incidence of age-related macular degeneration: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between baseline dietary fatty acids and 10-year incident age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


METHODS
In an elderly Australian cohort, 3654 participants were examined at baseline and 2454 were examined 5 and/or 10 years later. We assessed AMD from retinal photographs. Participants completed a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire.


RESULTS
After adjusting for age, sex, and smoking, 1 serving of fish per week was associated with reduced risk of incident early AMD (relative risk, 0.69 [95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.98]), primarily among participants with less than the median linoleic acid consumption (0.57 [0.36-0.89]). Findings were similar for intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. One to 2 servings of nuts per week was associated with reduced risk of incident early AMD (relative risk, 0.65 [95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.91]). Protective associations between the intake of nuts and reduced risk of pigmentary abnormalities were seen among nonsmokers, participants with less than the median ratio of serum total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and those with beta carotene intake greater than the median level.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence of protection against early AMD from regularly eating fish, greater consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and low intakes of foods rich in linoleic acid. Regular consumption of nuts may also reduce AMD risk. Joint effects from multiple factors are suggested.
Centre for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
Jennifer S L
JS
Tan
Jie Jin
JJ
Wang
Victoria
V
Flood
Paul
P
Mitchell
D000368:Aged; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004435:Eating; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005396:Fish Products; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009754:Nuts; D010781:Photography; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004041:Dietary Fats; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3