Blindness could be treated with this new fish oil pill

By Mark Waghorn via SWNS

The world's leading cause of blindness could be treated with a new fish oil pill.

A form of the omega-3 fat DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that protects the eyes has been created by scientists.

The supplement can cross into the retina from the bloodstream - unlike similar versions.

It could halt age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that afflicts approximately one in 10 Americans aged 50 and older.

Visual decline in patients with diabetes and dementia may also be stopped.

Experiments in mice found LPC(lysophospholipid)-DHA reduced Alzheimer's-like eye problems.

Lead author Dr. Sugasini Dhavamani, of the University of Illinois at Chicago, said: "Dietary LPC-DHA is enormously superior and could be potentially beneficial for various retinopathies in patients.

"This approach provides a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention or mitigation of retinal dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease and diabetes."

The retina is a small area of tissue at the back of the eye containing light-sensitive cells - which are maintained by DHA.

It can be damaged by reduced blood flow - a hallmark of diabetes and dementia.

The breakthrough has implications for people with AMD, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and retinitis pigmentosa, according to the researchers.

Dr. Dhavamani said: "Increasing the retinal DHA at clinically feasible doses has not been possible until now because of the specificity of the blood–retinal barrier that is incompatible with the specificity of the intestinal barrier.

"This study uses the novel approach of dietary LPC-DHA that overcomes both intestinal and blood–retinal barriers and improves retinal function."

It was tested in mice bred to exhibit processes similar to those found in early-onset Alzheimer's.

After six months, amounts of retinal DHA in those fed LPC-DHA daily showed a 96 percent improvement. The structure and function of the retina were better preserved.

In contrast, current supplements had no effect on levels or efficiency.

The results suggest LPC-DHA supplements will help prevent many types of vision impairment.

The dosage was equivalent to about 250 to 500 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per day in humans. Further safety studies will be required before human trials.

Dr. Dhavamani presented the findings at a meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Seattle.