Is Your Diet Putting Your Vision at Risk? The Truth About Linoleic Acid
Evidence suggests that a high intake of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in some seed oils, may be associated with an increased risk of certain eye diseases.
For example, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a higher intake of linoleic acid was associated with a greater risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. The study followed over 2,000 participants for 12 years and found that those with the highest intake of linoleic acid had a 35% greater risk of developing AMD than those with the lowest intake.
Another study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that high levels of linoleic acid were associated with a higher risk of developing cataracts, which are a clouding of the lens in the eye that can lead to vision loss. The study followed over 4,000 participants for ten years and found that those with the highest levels of linoleic acid had a 20% greater risk of developing cataracts than those with the lowest levels.
It is thought that the increased risk of these eye diseases may be related to the inflammatory properties of linoleic acid. Omega-6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid, can promote inflammation in the body when consumed in excess, which may contribute to developing chronic diseases such as AMD and cataracts.
It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the link between linoleic acid and eye diseases and that the relationship between dietary intake and disease risk is complex and multifactorial. However, these studies suggest that it may be wise to limit the intake of seed oils high in linoleic acid, such as corn, soybean, and sunflower oil, in order to reduce the risk of developing certain eye diseases.
Learn more about seed oils in my recent article, “The Rancid Truth: Why You Should Avoid Seed Oils.”
