March 11/Heart Disease Weekly -- A new study by researchers at Harvard Medical School has found that combining essential B vitamins, including B6, B12 and folic acid, lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of vision loss among older Americans. These ingredients are formulated in combination with key omega-3 fatty acids and phytosterols.

In the randomized, double-blind clinical trial, more than 5,000 women with heart disease, and at least three risk factors for cardiovascular disease, were given vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid over a seven-year time period. At the end of the trial, approximately 34% of the women had a lower risk of developing any type of AMD, while 41% had a lower risk of more severe forms of AMD.

"What's interesting here is the study authors note the correlation between age-related macular degeneration and cardiovascular disease," said nutritional expert Dr. Barbara Levine, Weill Cornell Medical College. "I recommend patients with nutritional deficiencies speak to their physicians about Animi-3, which is formulated with these essential B vitamins and DHA, the most important omega-3 fat, to address various conditions, including heart disease, arthritis, eye health, and depression."

"DHA is highly concentrated in the retina of the eye, which is one of the reasons why a DHA deficiency may be important to vision," added president Jack Schramm, PBM Pharmaceuticals Inc.Studies continue to suggest that DHA, along with a combination of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, can address deficiencies in these nutrients associated with eye problems, including dry eye and macular health."

From the March 16, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition