Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Critical For Our Vision And Eye Health* — Here's How to Do It

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been known to have heart-health benefits, such as improving circulation, regulating blood pressure, supporting vascular function, and providing other cardioprotective properties (just to name a few). These heart-healthy fats could even be called famous!

Perhaps you've also heard about how beneficial omega-3 fatty acids are for improving cognitive function and working memory throughout life—but many people are unaware that omega-3s help the central nervous system in more ways than one.

Yes, omega-3 fatty acids play a critical part in our eyes' visual acuity, retinal and macular health, and overall functioning. Here's how to do it.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for a baby's visual development.

Let's start from the beginning of a person's life. Omega-3 fatty acids, it turns out, are essential for the correct development of an infant's central nervous system (including eyes and vision) both before and after birth.

The central nervous system is particularly high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It's the most abundant fat in both the brain and the retina, accounting for 97 percent and 93 percent of total omega-3 content, respectively, and plays multiple critical functions in cognitive and visual function.

DHA buildup in the brain occurs in the second half of pregnancy and continues to be important for neurodevelopment throughout the first few years of life. Of course, this implies that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA is present in the womb due to the mother's nutritional intake.

Infants are unable to produce significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from omega-6 fatty acids. As a result, both types of fats must be obtained from breast milk or a fortified infant formula. These healthy fat sources are critical because adequate DHA levels are required for proper and optimal baby vision and brain development.

Omega-3 supplementation was shown to improve visual acuity in both preterm and term infants in a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Nutrition, indicating omega-3 supplements (especially those with servings of DHA) can be a powerful and effective way to support vision development during several stages of infancy.

Omega-3s are a critical nutrient for growth not just during fetal and newborn development, but also throughout childhood.

DHA promotes retinal health and vision acuity.

While DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for appropriate development in the early stages of life, their relevance does not end there. DHA is required for efficient visual transduction (the conversion of light into electrical impulses so that the brain can comprehend what the eyes view) and functioning at all stages of life.

DHA is a significant structural lipid that makes up the outer segment membranes of retinal photoreceptor cells, and it is found in the highest concentration in the body in the retina. The fluid structure of the lipid membrane, thanks to DHA, provides for a faster reaction to stimuli and optimum visual sensation (i.e., the perceptual experience of seeing). DHA, in its most basic form, aids us in seeing clearly!

DHA contains neuroprotective properties that enhance overall retinal health in addition to retinal function. DHA is a vital omega-3 to obtain enough of to support good eye health throughout life because it is a medically needed nutrient for both the brain and retina.

The end result.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are essential for eye growth, visual acuity, and retinal function.

Given that most Americans need three to six times more EPA and DHA than they do now to attain the recommended daily intake of 250 to 500 milligrams, taking an omega-3 supplement is a simple and stress-free method to help your vision.

mbg's omega-3 potency+ can help you support your eye health today, tomorrow, and throughout your life, with 1,500 milligrams of EPA and DHA in each serving (from sustainably produced and omega-3-rich wild-caught anchovies).

Consult your doctor before beginning a supplement regimen if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using medications. When deciding which supplements are ideal for you, it's always best to consult with a health care expert.