Omega-3s help B vitamins protect the brain from atrophy

Omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins: against brain atrophy

Adequate levels of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in the blood enhance the effect of supplementation with certain B vitamins in counteracting 'brain atrophy, a very common condition in the elderly.

This is according to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and conducted by researchers at the Universities of Oxford (England) and Oslo (Norway).

Brain structure and function: the 'importance of omega-3s 

Omega-3s, particularly DHA, which is the 'most prevalent fatty acid in the brain, are necessary for the development of the nervous system and the maintenance of its function, as shown by numerous scientific researches. 

There is a positive relationship between DHA and EPA concentrations in red blood cells and brain volume Several studies, among others, show that low plasma concentrations of omega-3 and homocysteine are associated with the development of brain atrophy and dementia. 

Increased rates of brain atrophy are common in elderly people with cognitive impairment. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether plasma EPA and DHA concentrations can change the effect of vitamin treatment on brain atrophy.

Elderly people with good omega-3 levels responded better to supplements

A total of 168 elderly people with mild cognitive impairment were involved in the 'investigation and were assigned daily placebo, or supplements containing high doses of B vitamins (0.8 mg folic acid, 20 mg vitamin B6, 0.5 mg vitamin B12). 

Subjects underwent cranial magnetic resonance imaging at the beginning and two years after treatment. These analyses together with plasma analyses showed that in subjects with high fatty acid concentration, vitamin treatment had slowed the growth rate of atrophy by 40.0% compared with placebo. 

More precisely, a statistically significant 'interaction was found between plasma concentrations of B vitamins and EPA, but not with DHA. Vitamin supplementation, on the other hand, had no significant effect on the rate of atrophy among subjects with low omega-3 levels.

Interaction between multiple nutrients is important for brain health

According to the researchers who conducted the study, these data show that the impact of B vitamins depends on the concentration of omega-3s. If these are available to the brain, the vitamins can help maintain its structure. 

But without the right circulating amount of fatty acids, the impact of B vitamins is limited. This observation confirms, again according to the authors, that in the relationship between nutrition and health, it is important to observe not just one nutrient. 

Indeed, the proper function of the brain, like that of other organs, depends on many nutrients to function properly: DHA, B vitamins, vitamin E and lutein. To stay up to date with the latest news from Omega-3 scientific research, write to our newsletter. 

Source: Jereren F, Elshorbagy AK, Oulhaj A, Smith SM, Refsum H, Smith AD. Brain atrophy in cognitively impaired elderly: the importance of long-chain ω-3 fatty acids and B vitamin status in a randomized controlled trial. 2015 Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.103283