A study has indicated that omega-3 fatty acids may better support brain health when consumed as part of a Mediterranean-style diet rather than solely through fish oil supplements. This research, published in eBioMedicine, highlighted that while high-dose omega-3 supplements increased levels of this nutrient in the brain, they did not lead to improvements in memory, cognition, or markers of brain aging among older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
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Conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC), the study tracked 365 adults aged 55 to 80 who rarely ate fish and were considered at risk for Alzheimer’s. Over two years, participants received either a daily omega-3 supplement containing 2,000 milligrams of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or a placebo. After six months, it was confirmed that DHA levels in cerebrospinal fluid increased by an average of 17 percent, indicating the nutrient reached the brain. However, those taking the omega-3 supplements showed no improvement in memory or cognitive test results compared to the placebo group, and brain scans revealed no differences in the hippocampal shrinkage, which is linked to memory and Alzheimer’s risk.
Hussein Naji Yassine, MD, director of the USC Center for Personalized Brain Health and lead investigator of the study, stated that while omega-3s are crucial for forming brain cell connections necessary for cognition, the findings do not support the use of fish oil supplements as a preventive measure against Alzheimer’s.
These results have led researchers to consider dietary sources of omega-3s. Yassine and his team believe that omega-3s derived from a Mediterranean-style diet, which is rich in these fatty acids and has been associated with a lower Alzheimer’s risk, may provide greater health benefits.
Yassine noted the ongoing research aims to understand how the brain processes omega-3s and how various factors—including health status, dietary patterns, genetic predisposition, and age—might affect the brain's ability to absorb and utilize these nutrients effectively. There is also a focus on developing medications to help the brain better utilize omega-3s to preserve cognitive function.
While this study concentrated specifically on omega-3 supplements, researchers emphasized the importance of broader lifestyle choices for brain health, such as regular exercise, quality sleep, and a balanced diet. Yassine likened a healthy lifestyle for the brain to regular maintenance for a car, suggesting that neglecting overall health issues can adversely affect cognitive function.