Taking Fish Oil to Boost Brain Health? A 2-Year Study Questions the Benefits
Research suggests that fish oil supplements may offer no benefit for Alzheimer’s prevention. Anastasiia Sienotova/Moment/Getty Images A 2-year clinical trial found that high dose omega-3 supplements didn’t improve memory, thinking skills, or brain structure in older adults at increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The supplements raised omega-3 levels in participants’ blood and in the fluid…
A clinical trial conducted by Keck Medicine of USC found that high-dose omega-3 supplements did not improve memory, thinking skills, or brain structure in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers enrolled 365 adults with no dementia who were between 55 and 80 years old and had at least one risk factor for dementia.
Participants either took 2,000 milligrams (mg) of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily or a placebo for two years. Neither participants nor researchers knew who received the supplement. The study found that DHA levels in participants' brains increased by 17%, but there were no differences in memory or thinking test scores between the two groups.
Omega-3 supplements raised omega-3 levels in participants' blood but did not change brain structure or cognitive function. Brain specialists recommend a holistic approach to brain health, including regular exercise, quality sleep, and a diet rich in fish. The study's lead researcher stated that just because a supplement reaches the brain does not necessarily mean it will improve brain function or prevent cognitive decline.
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