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Our Members Asked:

I'm at risk for both macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease. I've read that more EPA than DHA is good for macular degeneration, but the reverse is true for Alzheimer's. What do you recommend?

Written by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated May 29, 2018 ⓘ

Fish Oil Capsules and Salmon on White Table

Answer:

The answer is simple: eat fish (preferably oily fish) at least twice a week. Although we can certainly tell you which fish oil supplements (or other omega-3 supplements) are best for providing EPA and/or DHA, our analyses of the clinical literature show that, for both age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Alzheimer's disease, supplements have generally not been beneficial, while regular consumption of fish is associated with benefits. Only if you won't or can't eat fish at least twice a week might fish oil supplements be helpful for these conditions.

For more details, see the Alzheimer's Disease and Eye Disease sections of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Supplements Review.

For more about other supplements that can help with AMD see the Vision Supplements Review.