Omega-3 supplements show limited impact on cognitive decline in clinical study

A two-year clinical study involving 365 adults aged 55 to 80 suggests that omega-3 supplements, derived from fish or algae, do not improve memory or slow cognitive decline in individuals at high risk for Alzheimer's disease. While the study confirmed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in cerebrospinal fluid increased by approximately 17% after six months, researchers observed no significant improvements in cognitive functions or brain tissue loss.

Neurologist Hussein Yassine from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California stated that these supplements "do not work as a universal solution" for preventing cognitive decline. Researchers suggest that the benefits of eating whole foods like fatty fish, nuts, and seeds are better supported by evidence than dietary supplements.

Regarding administration, experts note that the effectiveness of omega-3 depends heavily on consumption alongside meals containing fats, as EPA and DHA are fat-soluble. Taking supplements with a meal containing fats like eggs, avocado, or nuts can enhance absorption compared to taking them on an empty stomach.