Omega-3s May Delay Mental Decline and Block Cardiometabolic Disease

Fish Oil: Support Against Mental Decline and Cardiometabolic Diseases

Taking omega-3 protects against cognitive decline and metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. This is shown by a study from researchers at Lund University (Sweden), which confirms the benefits of daily intake of these fatty acids for the mind and metabolism and highlights the role of dietary choices in preventing metabolic and cognitive problems. The research details were published in Nutrition Journal.

Preliminary Evidence

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between high blood levels of Omega-3 and a reduced risk of cognitive decline typical of aging and risk factors for metabolic diseases (such as type 2 diabetes) and cardiovascular diseases. However, these studies do not conclusively prove that these fatty acids have a protective effect, as they are observational studies comparing patient health status to the amount of Omega-3 consumed, without proving causation. To establish a real effect of Omega-3s on brain and mental health, clinical studies are required, where fatty acids are administered to healthy individuals or patients with the condition of interest. The Lund University researchers adopted this second approach, demonstrating that Omega-3 intake prevents cognitive decline and counters cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy individuals.

2.55 g of Omega-3 EPA and DHA per day, the Study

Before the publication of the Swedish team’s results, many doubts remained. For this reason, the researchers conducted a crossover study involving 40 healthy volunteers aged between 51 and 72. The participants were divided into two groups, each asked to take capsules containing either a placebo or 600 mg of Omega-3s found in fish oil.

Specifically, the fish oil capsules contained 300 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), 210 mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and 90 mg of other unspecified Omega-3s.

The study involved taking 5 capsules daily, totaling 3 grams of Omega-3. The first phase lasted 5 weeks, followed by a second phase of 5 weeks during which volunteers stopped taking both placebo and fish oil. Afterward, there was another 5-week phase in which those who previously took placebo switched to fish oil, and those who took fish oil switched to placebo.

Study Conclusions

The cognitive abilities of participants were measured through specific tests. Cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed by measuring blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose levels, and levels of an inflammation-associated molecule, TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha). It was thus demonstrated that daily intake of Omega-3s from fish oil for 5 weeks significantly improves cognitive abilities in healthy subjects. Conversely, these fatty acids reduce metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. These results also established an association between risk factors for heart and metabolism and cognitive abilities: when the former decrease, the latter improve. For the authors, however, the noteworthy news does not end here. Equally important is the confirmation that dietary intervention is a good strategy to prevent cognitive and metabolic problems associated with aging.

Source Nilsson A, Radeborg K, Salo I, Björck I, “Effects of supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognitive performance and cardiometabolic risk markers in healthy 51 to 72 years old subjects: a randomized controlled cross-over study”, Nutr J. 2012 Nov 22;11(1):99