DARTMOUTH, Nova Scotia—Swedish researchers have found a clear link between fish consumption and higher cognitive scores among teenage males, according to a new study published in Acta Paediatrica.
The study, “Fish intake of Swedish male adolescents is a predictor of cognitive performance,” found 15-year old males who ate fish at least once a week had higher cognitive skills at age 18 than those who ate it less frequently.
“There are a number of studies linking Omega-3 EPA/DHA found in oily fish to thinking, reasoning, and remembering abilities—our cognitive functions—in infants and the elderly," said Ocean Nutrition Canada’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Jon Getzinger. “We know that Omega-3 EPA/DHA is a critical nutrient for these age groups, but studies like this demonstrate that Omega-3 EPA/DHA from fish oil is important for our bodies and minds not just when we’re young or older, but throughout our lives. In addition to validating the essential need our bodies have for Omega-3 EPA/DHA, such studies highlight its deficiency in our diets, a deficiency easily addressed by eating fatty fish, by taking Omega-3 EPA/DHA dietary supplements, and by consuming Omega-3 EPA/DHA fortified foods. Given how difficult it can often be to get younger children and teens to eat fatty fish Omega-3 EPA/DHA enhanced foods are an easy way to incorporate this nutrient into their diets."