A new study doubts fish oil supplements can slow the decline of brain function, a key rebuttal to a common health claim of the popular supplements.
The study looked at whether omega-3 fatty acids, derived mainly from fish oil, can slow cognitive decline in seniors. It was comprised of 4,000 patients and is one of the largest and longest of its kind, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Researchers in the NIH-supported study gave the participants either a placebo, omega-3, nutrients found in green and leafy vegetables, or a combination of omega-3 and the nutrients.
The participants were tested on their cognitive function at the beginning of the study and then again two to four years later for any changes. Memory tests were given.
“The cognition scores of each subgroup decreased to a similar extent over time, indicating that no combination of nutritional supplements made a difference,” according to the NIH.
“Contrary to popular belief, we didn’t see any benefit of omega-3 supplements for stopping cognitive decline,” said Dr. Emily Chew, deputy clinical director at the National Eye Institute, which is part of NIH.
Omega-3 fatty acids are popular and are believed to be responsible for the health benefits associated with regularly eating fish such as lower rates of cardiovascular disease and possibly dementia, the NIH said.
Omega-3 supplements are also available over the counter and often are labeled as supporting brain health, the agency added.
NIH said that Omega-3 supplements also could be derived from plant foods such as flaxseed, walnuts or soy products. Specific omega-3 fatty acids from these sources weren’t studied, the agency added.
