New Study: Omega-3 does not improve memory or brain function

According to the lead author of the study, Dr. Hussein Yassine, omega-3 “supplements as a simple tool do not function”. Even when omega-3 levels rose in the brain, there was no improvement in the cognitive function, CNN writes.

Yassine points out that what works most is a healthy life - style: exercise, good sleep, reduced stress and plant - based diet, and taking omega-3 through foods such as fatty fish, nuts and seeds.

In the Mediterranean diet, Omega-3 is linked to better brain health, but this is because people live healthier generally, not just because of supplements.

Another expert points out that Omega-3 is important to the brain, especially for people with the APOE4 (which increases the risk for Alzheimer's), but they don't function well if the person hasn't improved overall health.

The supplement industry stresses that there are many studies showing omega-3 benefits, but the results are mixed.

What did the study show?

A study of 365 persons (5550 years of age) who were in danger of delinquency was conducted for two years. One group took Omega-3, the other placebo.

Scores: Omega-3 levels in the body increased in the group that received the element, but there was no improvement in memory. There were no changes in the size of the hippocampus (the memory span)

Why are omega-3 important?

Omega-3 are essential fats for body and brain. They help reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and the health of cells. The brain consists in part of fat, and much of it is omega-3.

The body does not produce it itself, so we must take it from food such as salmon, sardines, nuts, and linen seeds

Finally, omega-3 supplements alone are not enough to improve the health of the brain if the lifestyle is unhealthy (bad knowledge, lack of activity, stress, overweight).

However, a healthy life - style and omega-3 - rich food can help preserve your brain's health.