High levels of omega-3 fatty acids linked to larger brain volume in older adults
Jan-23-2014

New evidence suggests that omega-3 acids are linked to increased brain volume, which may equal better brain health.

"These higher levels of fatty acids can be achieved through diet and the use of supplements, and the results suggest that the effect on brain volume is the equivalent of delaying the normal loss of brain cells that comes with aging by one to two years," co-author James V. Pottala, from the University of South Dakota in Sioux Falls and Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc., in Richmond, Va., said in a press release.

Omega-3 fatty acids are fats that are either found in plant or fish products. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular are found in fatty fish like mackerel, salmon and herring, as well as some types of algae.

Scientists have debated whether or not omega-3 fatty acids are good for the brain. While many experts believe omega-3 fatty acids provide brain benefits, other studies have linked the fats to higher prostate cancer risk. Another study showed that there weren't any cognitive benefits associated with eating more of the compound.

Researchers tested 1,111 samples from women for levels of EPA and DHA. The women were all part of the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study and were tracked for eight years.

At the average age of 78, the women had an MRI scan taken of their brain to calculate their brain volume.

People who had twice the amount of omega-3 fatty acids compared to another subject had a brain volume about 0.7 percent larger that their counterpart.

Women who had the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood had the largest average brain volumes at the end of the study. They also had a 2.7 percent larger volume hippocampus, which is the area of the brain associated with memory. Alzheimer's patients have declines in the hippocampus before any other symptoms, the researchers noted.

The study was published in Neurology on Jan. 22.

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