A recent study challenges the widespread belief in the brain-boosting benefits of omega-3 supplements. Researchers at Keck Medicine, University of Southern California, conducted a two-year trial involving older adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Despite high doses of omega-3s, the study found no significant improvements in memory, cognitive performance, or brain cell preservation.
Lead investigator Dr. Hussein Naji Yassine emphasized that while omega-3s are essential for brain cell connections, the study results do not support fish oil supplements as a preventive measure against Alzheimer’s. The research recruited 365 adults aged 55-80, with a high Alzheimer’s risk, who rarely consumed fish, a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Participants were split into groups receiving either fish oil supplements or a placebo. The supplement contained 2,000 mg of DHA, a brain-related omega-3. Although DHA levels in the brain increased by 17% after six months, cognitive tests and brain scans showed no significant differences between the supplement and placebo groups.
The researchers are now exploring why omega-3s, though reaching the brain, did not yield measurable benefits. They suggest that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in omega-3s may be more effective in preventing Alzheimer’s. Dr. Yassine highlighted the importance of overall lifestyle factors, such as exercise, sleep, and diet, in supporting brain health, underscoring that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for reducing Alzheimer’s risk.