NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom—Consuming a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain during mental activity and helped to reduce mental fatigue in young adults, according to results of two new studies published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Researchers at Northumbria University conducted two studies to examine the effects of two different types of fish oil supplement containing omega-3 on brain function. In the first study they found taking either of two different types of fish oil supplement containing omega-3 for three months had no consistent impact on mental function in 18- to 35-year-olds; however, they did find evidence of reduced mental fatigue and faster reaction times.
Results of the second found taking DHA-rich fish oil over the same time period did increase blood flow to active areas of the brain during performance of similar mental tasks. The findings could have implications for mental function later on in life, as evidence suggests regularly eating oily fish or taking omega-3 supplements may prevent cognitive decline and dementia, and increased blood flow to the brain may be a mechanism by which this occurs.
Researchers are planning a third study to assess the impact of a fish oil supplement on their memory, mental performance and blood flow to the brain in people between the ages of 50 and 70.
“If we can pinpoint both the behavioral and brain blood flow effects of this fatty acid in older healthy people, then the benefits for those with mental degenerative conditions associated with normal ageing could be that much greater," the researchers said.
