> The evening news suggested that too much plant derived omega-3 may lead
> to macular degeneration (and prostate cancer). I've never heard this
> before. Since I'm taking omega-3 supplements to help my eyes, this is
> disconcerting. Can anyone add to this?
What are the major sources of plant derived omega-3?
Charles - 16 Jan 2007 04:03 GMT
> > The evening news suggested that too much plant derived omega-3 may
> > lead to macular degeneration (and prostate cancer). I've never
> > heard this before. Since I'm taking omega-3 supplements to help my
> > eyes, this is disconcerting. Can anyone add to this?
>
> What are the major sources of plant derived omega-3?
Almost exclusively flax seed I believe.
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> The evening news suggested that too much plant derived omega-3 may lead
> to macular degeneration (and prostate cancer). I've never heard this
> before. Since I'm taking omega-3 supplements to help my eyes, this is
> disconcerting. Can anyone add to this?
What was the basis of the news story? Got a link?
Never believe just one source. That said, the best thing is to eat a
good diet (low in saturated fat from meat, high in fruits and veggies,
fish twice a week, vegetable protein more than animal protein) rather
than rely on supplements.
Here a study promoting Omega 3 (diet not supplements) to prevent ARMD
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=R
etrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=16832023
Dr judy
Charles - 21 Jan 2007 14:01 GMT
> > The evening news suggested that too much plant derived omega-3 may
> > lead to macular degeneration (and prostate cancer). I've never
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Dr judy
There are others, but here's one representative:
"Omega-3 fatty acids may also offer some protection against macular
degeneration. In a study of more than 3000 people over the age of 49,
those who consumed more fish in their diet were less likely to have
macular degeneration than those who consumed less fish. (Most types of
fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids). Similarly, a study comparing 350
people with macular degeneration to 500 without found that those with a
proper ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids and higher intake of
fish in their diets were less likely to have this particular eye
disorder. Another larger study found that consuming docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two types of omega-3 fatty
acids found in fish, four or more times per week may reduce the risk of
developing macular degeneration. Notably, however, this same study
suggests that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; another type of omega-3 fatty
acid) may actually increase the risk of this eye condition."
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsConditions/MacularDegenerationcc.html
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