Researchers at the University of Illinois ,Chicago, developed a new form of omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that can cross into the eye’s retina. It is potentially helping to prevent visual decline linked to Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and even other disorders. It is different because the DHA found in fish oil capsules and other supplements is typically does not reach the eyes because it cannot travel from the bloodstream into the retina.
The new study produced a new lysophospholipid form of DHA. After six months, mice affected by Alzheimer’s disease that were fed LPC-DHA daily showed a 96% improvement in retinal DHA content as well as preserved retinal structure and function. Further studies would be needed to confirm that LPC-DHA is safe and effective for use in humans. The promising early results suggest that more than 23 million people only in the U.S. (the total number of Americans with either retinopathy linked to diabetes or age-related macular degeneration ) could benefit.
