Researchers at Hospital Santa Maria and different establishments in Portugal performed a literature search and meta-analysis of 14 medical trials to guage the consequences of omega-3 supplementation on cognitive decline.
The outcomes revealed modest however constant enhancements, which “are unlikely to be as a result of probability alone and signify a real therapeutic impact,” the researchers wrote. The outcomes additionally recommended a threshold impact relatively than a dose-response relationship.
“These findings help n3-PUFA supplementation as a complementary strategy to lifestyle-based methods for cognitive well being, together with weight loss program, bodily exercise, sleep optimization and cognitive coaching,” they wrote.
Commenting on the research, Dr. Kaitlin Roke, director of scientific communication and outreach at The International Group for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), instructed NutraIngredients, “Most individuals devour little to no omega-3 EPA and DHA of their diets. Encouraging people throughout all life levels to extend their consumption might help mind and psychological well being.”
“Though this research centered on supplementation, each dietary supplements and meals wealthy in EPA and DHA may be integrated right into a wholesome consuming sample to lift omega-3 ranges within the physique.”
Dr. Roke famous {that a} main problem in researching omega-3s and mind well being is the dearth of consistency throughout research, which compromises clear suggestions.
“This evaluate addressed that challenge by focusing particularly on the MMSE, enabling direct comparisons throughout research,” she mentioned. “Future analysis might construct on this strategy by persevering with to make use of standardized assessments, which might enhance comparability and strengthen the proof base.”
Research particulars
The researchers performed a literature seek for systematic critiques of randomized managed trials assessing the consequences of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on cognitive decline. They included research printed between 2014 and 2024 that utilized the Mini-Psychological State Examination (MMSE) as an evaluation software.
They then performed a meta-analysis of 9 systematic critiques incorporating 14 randomized managed trials that met the inclusion standards and represented 26,881 contributors aged 40 years or older to estimate the general impact of EPA and DHA supplementation on cognitive impairment.
The outcomes confirmed a statistically vital however modest enchancment in MMSE scores with supplementation, however no vital associations between therapy length or dosage and cognitive outcomes.
“Our findings recommend a optimistic affiliation between n-3 PUFA supplementation and cognitive outcomes throughout research with diverse dosages and durations,” the researchers wrote.
They famous a “threshold impact relatively than a dose–response relationship,” which they recommended could also be as a result of a number of mechanisms, together with saturation of DHA transporters, baseline standing, genetics (APOE), and the heterogeneity of the research.
The researchers recommended that the outcomes are modest however constant and known as for additional high-quality analysis and well-designed research to strengthen medical suggestions.
Supply: Vitamins 2025, 17(18), 3002. doi: doi.org/10.3390/nu17183002. “Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cognitive Decline in Adults with Non-Dementia or Gentle Cognitive Impairment: An Overview of Systematic Opinions”. Authors: M. Ines Barros et al.
