Did You Know?

Fish Oil Helps Maintain Cognitive Function

June 2005

Fish oil supplements have long been recommended as "brain food," thanks to their natural concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, which play vital roles in healthy mental function. Recently published research suggests that supplementing with fish oil may help people retain healthy mental functions as they age. In an observational study conducted on subjects who underwent IQ testing at age 11 and again at age 64, subjects who took fish oil supplements exhibited higher cognitive function than non-supplement users, after adjusting for childhood IQ levels. Total red blood cell omega-3 levels were also associated with better cognitive function, as were red blood cell DHA/arachidonic acid ratios. The study authors concluded that "optimization of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intakes may improve retention of cognitive function in old age."

Am J Clin Nutr 80(6):1650-1657, 2004

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