Objective To evaluate whether a diet high in long-chain ω-3 fatty acids can slow the rate of visual acuity loss among patients with retinitis pigmentosa receiving vitamin A palmitate.
Methods We calculated dietary intake from questionnaires completed annually by 357 adult patients from 3 randomized trials who were all receiving vitamin A, 15 000 IU/d, for 4 to 6 years. Rates of visual acuity decline were compared between those with high (≥0.20 g/d) vs low (<0.20 g/d) ω-3 intake. Analyses took age into account.
Results Mean rates of decline of acuity were slower among those with high ω-3 intake: Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study distance acuity: high intake = 0.59 letter per year, low intake = 1.00 letter per year, P = .001; Snellen retinal acuity: high intake = 1.5% per year, low intake = 2.8% per year, P = .03.
Conclusions We conclude that mean annual rates of decline in distance and retinal visual acuities in adults with retinitis pigmentosa receiving vitamin A, 15 000 IU/d, are slower over 4 to 6 years among those consuming a diet rich in ω-3 fatty acids. To our knowledge, this is the first report that nutritional intake can modify the rate of decline of visual acuity in retinitis pigmentosa.
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Figure 1. Mean log rates of decline of distance and retinal visual acuity for patients with high dietary ω-3 intake vs low dietary ω-3 intake. Data represent means and standard errors.
Figure 2. Mean log rates of decline of distance and retinal visual acuity for patients by quartile of dietary ω-3 intake: quartile 1: 0.002 to 0.138 g/d; quartile 2: 0.139 to 0.237 g/d; quartile 3: 0.237 to 0.382 g/d; and quartile 4: 0.388 to 1.243 g/d. Data represent means and standard errors.
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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