Taking fish oil tablets may improve night vision
Kathmandu, December 19
Researchers claimed that taking fish oil supplement—docosahexanoic acid—could improve our capacity to see in the dark.
Researchers from Longhborough University in UK investigated whether taking supplements with docosahexanoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish, could improve dark adaptation capabilities which are the process the eyes go through when they're adjusting to new light levels, as per the AFP Relax News.
Scientists have found that docosahexanoic acid is one of the most important omega-3 fatty acids, which is present in high concentrations in the retina. As, the acid is not made by our body in good amounts, we have to be dependent upon other sources such as diet with supplement or fish.
A total of 19 participants in research were asked to identify a series of numbers in a decreasing level of brightness before being suggested to eat four tablets each day containing 260mg DHA and 780mg EPA (another fatty acid which is converted to DHA) for four weeks.
The researchers found that after four weeks of taking the fish oil supplements, the participants were able to identify images that were, on average, 25 percent fainter the second time they did the test.
Through the blood samples taken at the beginning, middle and after the course of supplements, the researchers were also able to link the changes in night vision directly to fatty acid levels in the body.
"This is the first time dark adaptation has been linked to fish oil's fatty acids via direct measurement of amounts making it into the blood. The rise and fall in the levels of the acids mirrors the rise and fall in visual acuity. The 25 percent figure is a significant improvement in someone's capabilities, especially given that it comes via a simple supplement regimen," said researcher Dr. Paul Kelly as quoted by AFP Relax News.
