Fish Oil Supplements May Not Benefit Brain Health, New Study Suggests

Fish oil, a widely consumed supplement often taken for brain health, may not deliver the cognitive benefits many expect, according to a recent study. Approximately 19 million American adults, including one in five individuals over 60, take fish oil believing it aids their brain, heart, and chronic inflammation. The global fish oil market is valued at $3.4 billion, highlighting its popularity.

However, new research casts doubt on these claims. Dr. Hussein Naji Yassine, lead investigator and director of the University of Southern California Center for Personalized Brain Health, stated that the findings "showed that fish oil supplements do not appear to protect brain health." He added, "We all wish there was a silver bullet for preventing Alzheimer’s, but our findings showed that fish oil supplements do not appear to protect brain health."

The perceived benefits of fish oil stem from its omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which are known to support cell function, eye, heart, and joint health. "While omega-3s play an important role in forming brain cell connections needed for cognition, our results do not support fish oil supplements as a preventive measure against Alzheimer’s," Yassine explained.

Study Details and Findings

USC researchers conducted a two-year study involving 365 adults aged 55 to 80 who were averse to fish and at increased risk for Alzheimer's. Participants were given either fish oil supplements daily or a placebo.

The study found that while the omega-3s from the fish oil did reach the central nervous system, they did not lead to better performance on cognitive tests or slow the shrinkage of the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory formation and storage. The hippocampus is often one of the first areas affected by Alzheimer's disease. Researchers observed no significant difference in cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and language between the group taking fish oil and the placebo group. Similarly, the rate of brain tissue loss in the hippocampus was comparable between both groups.

Previous research has also questioned the efficacy of fish oil, with some studies suggesting it is not beneficial for longevity or heart health and may even increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms, stroke, and impair healing after brain injuries.

Alternative Approaches to Brain Health

The study, published in eBioMedicine, suggests that individuals seeking to protect their brain health might find more tangible benefits from lifestyle choices rather than supplements. Yassine likened a healthy lifestyle to essential vehicle maintenance for the brain, stating, "The brain is more likely to lose greater function if health issues in other parts of the body go unaddressed, in the same way that car engines stop working if regular maintenance is skipped."

Recommendations for maintaining brain health include regular exercise, managing blood pressure, and engaging in cognitive training. For instance, walking approximately 3,800 steps daily has been linked to a 25% lower risk of dementia, and controlling blood pressure may contribute to 13 dementia-free years. The researchers also suggest that consuming fish directly as part of a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, and olive oil, could be a more beneficial approach than relying on supplements. This dietary pattern emphasizes whole foods known for their health benefits.