The retina is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids are important for optimal visual development in infants. In adults, there is growing evidence for a reduction in risk for macular degeneration associated with higher omega-3 fatty acid intakes; the same is true for symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

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The American Heart Association reports that in 2006 nearly 17 million Americans had coronary heart disease (CHD), and that about 1.2 million had a CHD event (e.g. a heart attack, serious chest pain, etc). In 2005, 446,000 Americans died of CHD, and about half of those were due to sudden death caused by an acute cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, about 95% of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital.

Various medical studies have shown that there are strong benefits for patients with coronary heart disease from fish and fish oil supplement consumption. For example, in two studies the risk for sudden cardiac death was reduced by about 90% in patients with the highest blood omega-3 levels. A strong link between omega-3 fatty acids and the reduced risk for fatal ischemic heart disease has also been found. Several prospective, randomized, and controlled trials have tested the effects of giving omega-3 fatty acids, either as purified oils or as oily fish, and these have almost universally shown benefits.

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* Omega-3 and Cardiovascular Disease
* Omega-3 and Cardiovasulcar Disease Risk Factors

There is growing support for the use of high dose omega-3 fatty acid treatment (3,000-6,000 mg/day of EPA+DHA) in certain inflammatory diseases. In arthritis, some reduction in inflamed joints and tenderness has been seen in studies, and in a wide range of other inflammatory conditions, some benefits have been reported. This field, like several others, remains promising for a palliative effect of intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, but the research has not lead to firm conclusions to date.

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Like other areas of emerging research, the link between low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and a variety of mental conditions is far from complete. From attention-defecit-hyperactivity disorder and dyspraxia in children, to depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia in middle aged individuals, to dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in the elderly, some studies have been positive, others have not. Studies on mood, hostility, aggression, and borderline personality disorder have also reported potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

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Although evidence directly linking benefits of increased maternal intake of omega-3 fatty acids to infant health is speculative, there are many theoretical reasons why pregnant and nursing mothers should increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
For example, the presence of DHA in breast milk (and the brain) suggests that omega-3 fatty acids are important in early development. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to lead to increased birth weights and may lower the risk of complications of pregnancy.

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