Omega 3 & 6 (1988-92) - retinitis pigmentosa

Learn more about retinitis-pigmentosa treatment and information.

Studies on Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids

Both Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids are essential nutrients for normal development in mammals. Omega-6 Fatty Acids are necessary primarily for growth, reproduction and the maintenance of skin integrity. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are involved in the development and function of the retina and cerebral cortex and other organs such as the testes. (1)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids found in abundance in cold water fish and their oils. DHA is an essential nutrient for achieving optimal brain and eye function. (2) It comprises about 60% of the rod outer segments in the photoreceptor cells that we see with. (3) Brain tissue is about 60% fat, 25% of which is DHA. DHA levels correlate with visual and mental performance and several neurological and visual disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa.

Cells in the retina, brain and other parts of the nervous system have connecting arms that transport electrical currents, sending visual information from the retina to the brain and messages from the brain through out the body. DHA supplementation ensures the optimal composition of cell membranes necessary for the most effective transmission of these signals.

A 1990 study demonstrated that DHA with EPA given in the form of fish oil exerts a beneficial dose-dependent effect on coronary circulation with reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and blood pressure while causing no significant increase in bleeding time.(4 )

Editor's note: We believe DHA' use in wet macular degeneration is unparalleled since its main work in the body is to heal and support blood vessel walls.

Research:
1. Connor WE; Neuringer M.; Prog Clin Biol Res; 1988: 282; 275-94.
2. Neuringer M, Anderson G. J., Connor WE, "The essentiality of n-3 fatty acids for the development and function of the retina and brain," Ann Rev Nutr., 1988; 8: pp/17-41.
3. Salem et al, 1996; P Martinez et al, 1992).
4. Haglund et al, "Effects of a new fish oil concentrate on triglycerides, cholesterol, fibrinogen and blood pressure" Nutritional Research 1990; 227:347-53.