Nutritional Wellness Blog from BeautifulandWell.com

Recent studies conclude that increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may prevent age-related vision loss, otherwise known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people aged 55 and older.

What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

According to AMD Alliance International, a global coalition of vision and seniors’ organizations dedicated to raising awareness of AMD and the options available for prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation and support services to individuals and families around the world affected by AMD, AMD  is a degenerative retinal disease that causes central vision loss and leaves only peripheral vision which qualifies as “legal blindness” in the Western world.  Although approximately 30 million people are affected by AMD globally, awareness of the condition is low.  Moreover, due to the aging population of Baby Boomers, the incidence and prevalence of AMD is expected to be on the rise and may triple by 2025.

Two types of AMD exist- dry and wet.  Dry AMD, on the other hand, occurs when normal tissue in the macula disappears slowly resulting in a pale area of the macular called central geographic atrophy (a medical term for dryness).  Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels grow abnormally beneath the macular and eventually leak causing scarring to the macular, thereby obscuring sight.

Studies support increase intake of omgea-3 to prevent AMD

According to the US National Eye Institute, increased consumption of omega-3 fatty-acids contribute to the prevention of age-related vision loss by up to 30%.  In another major study, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), omega-3 intake supports the prevention of AMD by 30%.  Moreover, according to findings published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the risk of both dry AMD and wet AMD are reduced through the intake of omega-3 fatty acids by 32% and 35% respectively.

Omega-3’ eye health benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids, and in particular DHA, play an important role in the layer of nerve cells in the retina, and studies have already reported that omega-3 may protect from developing AMD.

Indeed, a meta-analysis published in the June 2008 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology found that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of AMD by up to 38 per cent.

The new study supports these earlier findings. SanGiovanni and his co-workers looked at  1,837 people participating in an Age-Related Eye Disease Study. All the participants were considered to be at a moderate-to-high risk of advanced AMD.

Based on 12 years of research, the scientist found out that the participants with the highest omega-3 intakes had a 30 percent lower risk of developing AMD than people with the lowest intakes.

“The 12-year incidence of central geographic atrophy and neovascular AMD in participants at moderate-to-high-risk of these outcomes was lowest for those reporting the highest consumption of omega-3 fatty acids,” concluded the researchers.

Educating ourselves about how to protect our eye sight and decrease the risk of vision loss should be a priority.  Taking a good nutritional supplement, especially one that can help to slow macular degeneration, is a good insurance policy.  One such high quality nutritional supplement specifically formulated to protect eyes and lower the risk for AMD is TOZAL Eye Health Formula make by AmeriSciences.  TOZAL contains a high percentage of Omega 3, as well as Lutein & Zeaxanthin, which all promote vision health. To learn more about TOZAL or to purchase TOZAL from a reputable AmeriSciences distributor, click here.

The new study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, reported that increased intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may reduce the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), an umbrella term for a range of symptoms including unstable angina and chest pains.

The Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort study involved 57,053 men and women. During an average follow-up time of almost eight years, 1,150 people developed ACS.  Men who consumed more than 0.39 grams of PUFAs per day had an associated risk of ACS 27 per cent lower than men who consumed less than 0.39 grams per day.

When the researchers looked at individual omega-3 fatty acids, they did note negative association for EPA, DPA and DHA, but these were considered “less consistent”.

No benefits were observed for women, noted the researchers.

“We found borderline significant negative associations between the intake of marine omega-3 PUFA and ACS among healthy men,” they concluded.

Half a gram needed for heart benefits?

Earlier this year, a ‘state-of-the-art’ review concluded that the science behind the cardiovascular health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids supports recommended daily levels of 500 mg.

“Compelling evidence” from studies involving almost 40,000 participants supports daily EPA plus DHA intakes of at least 500 mg per day for healthy individuals, while people with known heart disease or heart failure should aim for up to 1,000 mg daily, according to a review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The recommendations for healthy people are double the recommended levels determined by the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA).

EFSA determined in July that 250mg should be the labelling reference intake value for long-chain omega-3 fatty acids – most notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The European Commission backed the regulation last week that permits products to claim omega-3 content if they have significant proportions of dietary reference values (DRV) of 250mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and/or DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and 2g of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).

The regulation was slammed by a group of 21 international leading omega-3 scientists who said the rule, which does not discriminate between plant and marine-sourced omega-3 sources for product labelling, was an “insult”.

What omega-3 nutritional supplement brands exist which have the recommended daily levels of omega-3′s and also have clear labeling for the source of omega-3′s in its products?

While there are many nutritional supplement formulations on the market which claim to contain omega-3 fatty acids, most do not contain the recommended daily levels of omega-3 fatty acids and few have clear and trusted labeling for the source of omega-3′s in their products.  One exception is the Omega Max product developed by AmeriSciences, a privately-held specialty nutritional supplement company based in Houston, TX.  The active ingredients found in Omega Max product are both EPA and DHA, sourced from molecularly-distilled, highly-potent fish oil derived from only the smallest of fish like anchovies and mackerel.  Furthermore, unlike most fish oil soft-gels available in the the U.S., Omega Max is fully compliant with European Pharmacopeia standards, the only true “pharmaceutical-grade” standard for fish oil.  For more information or to purchase the Omega Max fish oil product from one of the AmeriSciences’ leading distributors click here.

Source: British Journal of Nutrition
Published online ahead of print, doi:10.1017/S0007114509992170
“Dietary intake of total marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid and the risk of acute coronary syndrome – a cohort study”
Authors: A.M. Joensen, E.B. Schmidt, C. Dethlefsen, S.P. Johnsen, A. Tjonneland, L.H. Rasmussen, K. Overvad

According to the NutraIngredients cognitive health series, which examines the market, supply, science and regulation behind the cognitive health category, the cognitive health functional category is defined as foods, beverages or dietary supplements that help promote mental health, improve mental performance and uplift mood.

More specific benefits of cognitive health functional foods and nutritional supplements include: enhancing cognitive ability, protecting the brain from damage, fighting the effects of aging (such as memory loss or dementia), addressing depression, and concentration problems, aiding in relaxation, and even helping to reduce aggressive behavior.

Data pooled from market analysts including Euromonitor, Datamonitor and Frost & Sullivan identify a number of key ingredients in the category that can support brain function. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Omega-3, ginko biloba, ginseng (improved memory)
• CoQ10 (slows Parkinson’s disease)
• Phospolipids: Phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl serine – e.g. soy lecithin (fight dementia, cognitive decline)
• St John’s wort, soy lecithin (combat depression)
• Omega-3, PS (phosphatidylserine), Gaba, creatine (brain function)
• Green tea, tryptophan, Gaba, ginko biloba (mood)
• Guarana, caffeine, ginseng (energy boosting)

Supplements lead the Cognitive Health Category

In the food and beverage category, GNPD tracked 276 new cognitive health products launched globally in 2008, and 388 new products in 2009 to date. Europe and the US accounted for 45 and 56 new products respectively in 2008, and 44 each in 2009.  Teas and infusions, water-based drinks and energy drinks are leading the way in beverages. Omega-3 fortified yoghurts, milk and drinking yoghurts are leading the way in dairy.

However, according to Frost & Sullivan, dietary supplements are leading the way in the cognitive health market – and Euromonitor confirms that supplements are “increasingly garnering favor with consumers”.

Euromonitor splits the market up into three main areas: Brain function, energy boosting and mood.

Japan ahead

According to Euromonitor, Japan is the biggest market for cognitive health food and supplements.

US Market for Cognitive Health Supplements Growing

Due to the ageing population of Baby Boomers in the U.S., and the related increased prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the need for cognitive health nutritional supplements to support brain function.

There are many cognitive health nutritional supplement formulations on the market.  One of the most recognized is Cognivite from AmeriSciences, a privately-held specialty nutritional supplement company based in Houston, TX which has a joint development agreement with NASA/Johnson Space Center.  The Cognivite formula was developed by renowned geriatric neurologist Dr. Marwan Sabbagh and was launched in 2008.  To learn more about Cognivite, click here.

Press Release

HOUSTON, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriSciences, a leading developer of science-based nutritional supplements, is poised to revolutionize the way eye-care practitioners treat age-related visual deterioration with the launch of its clinically-proven TOZAL Eye Health Formula. Research indicates that by 2030, as many as 68 million Americans will be over the age of 65, and a significant number of these older Americans will suffer from low vision or blindness.

Since 2001, the eye-care industry’s standard of care for patients suffering from age-related vision loss has been nutritional supplements based on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). While AREDS provided clinical proof that nutritional supplements can positively affect a degenerative health issue, scientific discoveries over the last seven years have revealed other micronutrients that are more effective in maintaining and supporting good health and vision. Among these beneficial compounds are taurine, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants and lutein, which are the main ingredients in the TOZAL Eye Health Formula.

“TOZAL exemplifies AmeriSciences’ commitment to providing the safest, most effective science-based nutritional products on the market today,” said Carlos Montesinos, Product Development & Quality Assurance Director, AmeriSciences. “We believe that TOZAL will set a new standard of care for nutrition-based eye care. Like all of our products, TOZAL also meets or exceeds pharmaceutical industry quality benchmarks for over-the-counter products.”

Two years ago, TOZAL became the focus of a multicenter study that ultimately demonstrated through clinical testing how the proper combination of these compounds was effective at reducing the onset of age-related visual impairment after six months of consistent supplementation. The results of this study, which were published in the February 2007 issue of BMC Ophthalmology, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal, affirmed that regular use of the TOZAL formula impeded the natural course of visual degeneration in 77 percent of the treated test subjects. Evidence from the TOZAL study also indicated that visual acuity actually improved by as much as one-half line (eye chart) among 57 percent of those tested. All patients receiving the AREDS-type nutritional supplement lost some vision.

A large new study, published in August in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, also supports the use of TOZAL in preventing vision loss. The study, which took place across seven European nations, found that seniors given omega-3 fatty acids reduced their risk of developing macular degeneration by up to 70 percent. TOZAL is the only eye-health supplement that includes omega-3 acids.

“The TOZAL study demonstrates that treatment with this supplement can help patients with age-related vision loss,” said Francis E. Cangemi, M.D., a macular degeneration specialist affiliated with Vitreo-Retinal Associates of New Jersey who led the TOZAL study.

As a result of the landmark TOZAL study, AmeriSciences collaborated with TOZAL developer and prominent optometrist Dr. Edward Paul to create the only nutritional supplement on the market based on his patented formula. TOZAL Eye Health Formula was released in February exclusively through independent distributors of AmeriSciences nutritional products with incredible response from consumers and vision-care specialists alike.

“I grew tired of telling my patients with age-related vision loss that there was nothing I could do for them,” said Dr. Paul about developing his breakthrough TOZAL formula. As a highly-respected optometrist and nutritionist, Dr. Paul has been in private practice in Wilmington, North Carolina, for more than 20 years helping people to see better and live healthier lives through a combination of traditional and complementary medicine.

“I think that because of AREDS, the eye-care industry was the first in the health field to really embrace nutritional supplementation as a way of helping patients with age-related health issues,” Dr. Paul said. “But now we have something better and more effective with TOZAL. We would be remiss if we did not give our patients the option of using these supplements given the statistical and clinical proof that TOZAL can help them.”

In addition to his research and eye-care practice, Dr. Paul is the author of several books, including “Conquering Macular Degeneration” and “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health.” An authority on the subject of age-related vision impairments, Dr. Paul also serves as a contributing writer for several national medical magazines and is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs. Dr. Paul is a member of the AmeriSciences Scientific Advisory Board.

A specially-packaged combination of two premium nutritional products- AmeriSciences Antioxidant Plus and AmeriSciences Omega Max-TOZAL Eye Health Formula has been hailed by health-care professionals from across the United States as a product that is destined to revolutionize the eye-care industry.

AmeriSciences is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

For more information on AmeriSciences’ new TOZAL Eye Health Formula, visit www.tozalformula.com or www.amerisciences.com.

Source: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080918/neth047.html?.v=70

Francis E Cangemi

Vitreo-Retinal Associates of New Jersey, 119 Prospect Street, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450 USA

BMC Ophthalmology 2007, 7:3doi:10.1186/1471-2415-7-3

Received: 6 November 2006
Accepted: 26 February 2007
Published: 26 February 2007

Abstract

Background

The primary objective of this prospective study was to measure the change from baseline in visual function – Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) via the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart, contrast sensitivity, central 10 degree visual fields and retinal imaging (angiograms and photographs) at 6 months in subjects with atrophic (dry) age-related macular degeneration treated with a targeted nutritional supplement.

Methods

37 mixed gender patients with a mean age of 76.3 +/- 7.8 years were enrolled at 5 independent study sites and received standard of care with a novel formulation of a nutritional supplement. Results were compared to a placebo cohort constructed from the literature that was matched for inclusion and exclusion criteria. A paired t-test was used to test a null hypothesis and a two-sided alpha level of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance.

Results

76.7% of subjects receiving the nutritional supplement demonstrated stabilization or improvement of BCVA at 6 months. Subjects gained an average of 0.0541 logMAR or one-half of a line of visual acuity (VA) over the 6-month period. There was a statistically significant improvement in VA from baseline with P = .045. The results provide strong evidence that the treatment being studied produces an improvement in VA.

Conclusion

Treatment with this unique nutritional supplement increased VA above the expected baseline decrease in the majority of patients in this population with dry macular degeneration. The results of the TOZAL study agree with the LAST and CARMIS studies and are predictive for positive visual acuity outcomes in the AREDS II trial. However, patients will likely require supplementation for longer than 6 months to effect changes in additional visual parameters.

The full-text electronic version of this article can be found online at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2415-7-3.pdf

© 2007 Cangemi; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.