Category Archives: Macular Degeneration

Consumer Alert: FDA warns about OTC chelation products

8 companies of over-the-counter (OTC) chelation products were told that they are selling unapproved drugs and devices and are violating federal law with respect to unproven claims about these products.

These products purport to treat a range of diseases by removing toxic metals from the body. Some also claim to treat autism spectrum disorder, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and other serious conditions. Continue reading Consumer Alert: FDA warns about OTC chelation products

Intake of omega-3 in nursing home residents

Researchers from the University of Waterloo in Canada tell us that increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids “is associated with the decreased risk and incidence of several morbidities afflicting the elderly, including cognitive decline, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and macular degeneration.”

With that information, one would think maintaining omega-3 intake would be a priority. But is it? Continue reading Intake of omega-3 in nursing home residents

Sources of lutein and zeaxanthin to help prevent age-related macular degeneration

Diets rich in lutein plus zeaxanthin may protect against intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in healthy women younger than 75 years, according to a study just published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.

The findings are significant because there is no cure for AMD, only limited treatments are available, and there is no established means of prevention. Therefore, any intervention that lowers the risk for AMD is potentially important.

But what are lutein and zeaxanthin, and where can you get them?

Continue reading Sources of lutein and zeaxanthin to help prevent age-related macular degeneration

Yes, omega-3 reduces age-related macular degeneration risk — No, I don’t think so.

In July, two studies in well-respected ophthalmology journals came to different conclusions on this topic.

First, the good news. Then, the not so good news. Finally, news you can use.

Harvard researchers concluded that increased intake of fish reduced the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — particularly for 2 or more servings per week. Also, higher intake of dietary omega-3 fatty acid was associated with a lower risk of AMD. The study population came from the National Research Council World War II Veteran Twin Registry.

Contrary to this, researchers from the University of Ottawa reviewed 6 studies and concluded that the results were inconsistent and they couldn’t say for sure.

What to do?

Continue reading Yes, omega-3 reduces age-related macular degeneration risk — No, I don’t think so.