Omega-3s could delay mental decline and block cardiometabolic diseases

Fish oil: an aid against mental decline and cardiometabolic diseases

Taking omega-3 protects against cognitive decline and metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. This is shown by a study by researchers at Lund University (Sweden), according to which their findings confirm the benefits of daily intake of these fatty acids for the mind and metabolism and underscore the role of food choices in preventing metabolic and cognitive problems. Details of the research were published in the Nutrition Journal.

Preliminary clues

An association between high levels of Omega-3 in the blood and reduced risk of cognitive decline typical of aging and risk factors for metabolic diseases (such as type 2 diabetes) and cardiovascular disease has already been shown in the past. The studies that have found this association do not, however, allow us to say with certainty that these fatty acids exert a protective effect. They are, in fact, observational studies in which the health status of patients was compared to the amount of Omega-3 consumed without, however, demonstrating that it is precisely the intake of these nutrients that causes the decrease in health risks. To be able to establish the existence of a real effect of Omega-3s on mind and brain health, however, clinical trials are needed in which the fatty acids are administered to healthy individuals or to patients with the condition being studied. Researchers at Lund University have used precisely this second approach, showing that Omega-3 intake prevents cognitive decline and counteracts cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy individuals.

2.55 g of omega-3 EPA and DHA per day, the study

Before the publication of the results obtained by the Swedish team, there were still many doubts. For this reason, the researchers devised a cross-sectional study in which 40 healthy volunteers between the ages of 51 and 72 were involved. The participants were divided into two groups, each of which was asked to take capsules containing a placebo or 600 mg of the Omega-3s found in fish oil.

Specifically, the fish oil capsules contained 300 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), 210 mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and 90 mg of other unspecified Omega-3s.

The study involved taking 5 capsules daily, for a total of 3 grams of Omega-3. The first phase, which lasted 5 weeks, was followed by a second phase, also lasting 5 weeks, in which volunteers stopped taking both the placebo and the fish oil. This was followed by another 5 weeks in which those who had previously taken the placebo took the fish oil and those who had taken the fish oil took the placebo.

Conclusions of the study

Participants' cognitive abilities were measured through specific tests. Assessment of cardiometabolic risk factors, on the other hand, included measurement of blood pressure, triglyceride and blood glucose levels, and those of an inflammation-associated molecule, TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha). It has, thus, been shown that taking the Omega-3s found in fish oil on a daily basis for 5 weeks significantly improves the cognitive abilities of healthy subjects. Conversely, these fatty acids reduce metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. These results also established an association between heart and metabolic risk factors and cognitive abilities: if the former decrease, the latter improve. For the authors, however, the noteworthy news does not end there. Just as important, in fact, is the confirmation that acting on diet is a good strategy for preventing cognitive and metabolic problems associated with aging

Source Nilsson A, Radeborg K, Salo I, Björck I, "Effects of supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognitive performance and cardiometabolic risk markers in healthy 51 to 72 years old subjects: a randomized controlled cross-over study," Nutr J. 2012 Nov 22;11(1):99