Indication: Dry eye syndrome (DES)

Source: Am J Clin Nutr, October 2005; 82(4):887-893.

Research: In the study, researchers analyzed data from surveys of more than 32,000 women between the ages of 45 and 84, who were enrolled in the Brigham and Women’s Hospital-based Women’s Health Study (WHS). Researchers assessed fatty acid intakes by using a validated food-frequency questionnaire and assessed DES by using self-reports of clinically diagnosed cases.

Results: Of the sample, 1546 (nearly 5%) subjects reported DES. Researchers found that women with the highest levels of dietary intake of omega 3 reduced their risk of DES by 20%, compared to women with the lowest levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their diet. Women who reported having at least five servings of tuna per week were at a 68% reduced risk of DES, compared to women who had one serving per week. These results suggest that a higher dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids is associated with a decreased incidence of DES in women. Researchers claim these findings are consistent with anecdotal clinical observations and postulated biological mechanisms.