Improving nerve regeneration after corneal surgery, preventing psychotic disorders in those at high risk and reducing cellular aging are three emerging benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, according to new research. In the April 2010 PUFA Newsletter and Fats of Life online publications for health professionals and consumers, one study showed that after corneal surgery (such as LASIK) treating eyes with omega 3 DHA plus a nerve growth factor helped regenerate corneal nerves, which can be damaged by surgery, reducing tear production and causing dry eye syndrome. When administered together, DHA and the nerve growth factor increased corneal nerve regeneration by up to three times.

Another study among young patients at ultra-high risk of developing a psychotic disorder showed that after three months of consuming just more than 1 gram of seafood omega 3s or a placebo daily, only two out of 41 patients (5%) taking omega 3s progressed to psychosis. In the placebo group, 11 of the 40 participants (28%) developed a psychotic disorder.

A third study found that people with stable heart disease who had higher levels of DHA in their blood experienced less shortening of their telomeres than those with low DHA levels. When telomeres—protective ends of chromosomes—become too short, a cell no longer reproduces itself and “retires.” Evidence suggests that individuals with shorter telomeres have higher cardiac mortality and other unwanted consequences of aging. These observations raise the question of whether omega 3s might slow cellular aging.