The omega 3 (PUFA-n3), Together with omega 6, they are one of the main classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for our body's well-being. These are involved in numerous functions including:
- the reduction of cholesterol levels;
- the synthesis of haemoglobin;
- control of heart rate and blood pressure.
The PUFA-N3s, the most common of which are ecosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docodahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), are not synthesised by the body, but are introduced through food, in particular through the consumption of fish and certain plant-based foods such as nuts. In addition to their normal physiological functions, omega-3s have been shown to have multiple positive effects, especially in the prevention of cardiovascular and/or inflammatory diseases. For these reasons, in deficiency or sub-optimal concentrations, omega-3 should be introduced through supplementation with food supplements.
What does the latest research say?
Scientific data have revealed a close association between a diet rich in omega-3 and a reduction:
-of the risk of mortality associated with coronary artery disease;
-of the age-related decline in cognitive faculties;
-of the risk of developing dry eye syndrome (http://www.oculistaitaliano.it/articoli/focus-sul-dry-eye/), age-related macular degeneration (AMD)(http://www.oculistaitaliano.it/articoli/degenerazione-maculare-legata-alleta-consigli-la-prevenzione-diagnosi-precoce/) and age-related eye diseases in general.
In particular, it is it has been shown that an omega-3 deficiency may predispose to glaucoma. This ocular pathology is closely related to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye, which tends to increase in parallel with the normal physiological process of ageing. However, studies conducted in the Japanese population, known for its high fish consumption and high levels of omega 3, show a trend completely reversed: a reduction in IOP with advancing age. The latter was confirmed by a clinical study conducted by a team of American researchers in which it was shown that the Omega 3 supplementation over a period of three months in a young, normotensive population reduced intraocular pressure values by 8%. Furthermore, data from a survey conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey out of just under 4,000 people, have shown that omega-3 is also associated with a reduction in the onset of glaucomatous neuropathy. Therefore, ensuring the right amount of omega-3 acids to meet the average needs of an adult, either through a balanced diet or with the help of food supplements, is a key element to the well-being of the body and for the prevention of various age-related eye diseases.
Source
Laura Elizabeth DL et al.Oral Omega-3 Supplementation Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Normotensive Adults. TVST, Vol. 7 j No. 3 j Article 1 (2018)
Dr. Carmelo Chines
Direttore responsabile
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