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12.03.2023

The brains of people in their 20s, 30s and 40s work better with fish oil capsules

Neurologists are gradually becoming convinced that people over 60 can maintain their cognitive abilities more easily if they increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids. A British study suggests that the cognitive abilities of people in their twenties, thirties and forties also benefit from an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Study
Researchers at Northumbria University in England divided 310 healthy subjects aged 25-49 into 3 groups. The subjects had in common that they did not consume a lot of omega-3 fatty acids on a daily basis.

For six months, the subjects in one group took 3 placebo capsules every day, and the subjects in the 2 experimental groups took 3 capsules every day, each containing 1 gram of fish oil.

The first experimental group used fish oil capsules that provided 900 milligrams of DHA and 270 milligrams of EPA daily. The second experimental group used fish oil capsules containing 900 milligrams of EPA and 360 milligrams of DHA daily. The supplements were produced by BASF.

BASF also paid for the research.

Before and at the end of the supplementation period, the researchers used a battery of standard tests to determine the subjects' cognitive abilities.

Results
The subjects who received fish oil with a relatively high amount of EPA scored significantly better on the tests. They became more accurate [say: they made fewer mistakes], their brains started working faster and their memory improved.

Conclusion
The researchers are somewhat surprised at their research results. After all, the brain mainly contains DHA. The researchers had expected that supplementation with DHA-rich fish oil in particular would have positive cognitive effects, but this was not the case.

The study does not tell us much about how exactly supplementation with EPA should improve the functioning of the brain.

Source:
Am J Clin Nutr. 2021 Sep 1;114(3):914-24.

More:
Ginkgo and DHA combination may protect against Alzheimer's | Animal study 31.10.2022
Supplement with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and carotenoids increases working memory of people over 65 28.10.2022
High omega-3 levels? B vitamins protect your brain from aging 10.09.2021

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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