Work

Association between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cataracts: results from a cross-sectional survey and mendelian randomization analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the association between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cataract risk by combining observational and genetic approaches. A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2008) showed that higher omega-3 PUFA intake was inversely associated with cataract risk (fully adjusted OR = 0.74, 95 % CI: 0.57–0.97, P = 0.041). This protective effect was corroborated by Mendelian randomization analyses using large-scale genetic data (inverse variance weighted OR = 0.92, 95 % CI: 0.86–0.99, P = 0.044), with consistent results across sensitivity analyses. Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization further identified ten genes linking omega-3 PUFA metabolism to cataract through pathways related to lipid biosynthesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These findings provide convergent evidence that omega-3 PUFA intake may reduce cataract risk and highlight putative molecular mechanisms underlying this association.

Source: Journal of Functional Foods

DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.107034

Authors: Fan Meng, Yi Zhong, Zhilin Xu, Yuechuan Wang, Yu Qin, Jiangyue Zhao

Institutions: Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Fatty Acid Research and Health

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,800