More memory with omega-3, DHA improves nerve impulse transmission
Omega 3 DHA: nerve impulse is better with fish oil
The mechanisms through which DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) protects memory have been revealed: this omega-3 fatty acid accumulates in the hippocampus, a brain region involved specifically in memory, where it is associated with an increase in nerve impulse transmission. Enriching your diet with this nutrient, either by eating fish rich in it or by taking omega-3 supplements, could help protect the brain during aging. Omega 3 DHA improves the power of nerve impulses. These conclusions were reached by researchers at the University of Alberta in Edmonton (Canada), thanks to a study whose results were published in the journal Applied Physiology.
Omega 3 friends of the brain
Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits for the brain derived from consuming fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines. At the basis of these positive actions are the omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in these fish. Among them, the most important for the brain is DHA.
While the other omega-3 fatty acid, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), is generally associated with reducing the risk of coronary diseases, triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and inflammation, DHA has been more often linked to brain function. Moreover, this omega-3 is also important for the development of the nervous system and vision. A recent study demonstrated that people with lower DHA levels have smaller brains and perform worse in tests on visual memory, problem-solving ability, and other cognitive functions. However, before the Canadian researchers’ study was published, no hypothesis had been formulated about the mechanisms underlying the action of this nutrient.
Faster brain with Omega 3
The authors of the research conducted experiments on mice. After feeding them a DHA-rich diet, they analyzed the omega-3 levels present in the brain. The collected data demonstrated DHA accumulation in the hippocampus tissue. Compared to mice fed a standard diet, those given the enriched diet showed about 29% higher DHA concentrations in this brain area. The next step was to verify the speed of nerve impulse transmission by electrically stimulating the hippocampus. The experiments revealed that the synapses (the points allowing the passage of nerve impulses) of neurons in DHA-fed mice worked better than those in other animals.
Omega-3 improve communication
These results allowed researchers to conclude that, in the presence of high DHA concentrations, memory cells in the hippocampus communicate better with each other and transmit messages more effectively. According to experts, this phenomenon may explain why a diet rich in DHA improves memory. Furthermore, since DHA introduced with diet accumulates in the brain, eating more fish or taking Omega-3 supplements could counteract the reduction of this precious molecule’s levels during aging.
Source:
Connor S, Tenorio G, Clandinin MT, Sauvé Y, “DHA supplementation enhances high-frequency, stimulation-induced synaptic transmission in mouse hippocampus”, Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Oct;37(5):880-7. doi: 10.1139/h2012-062
