Fish oil tablets taken by millions ‘do nothing to slow mental decline’

Fish oil supplements taken by millions to protect their brains from the ravages of age do nothing to slow natural mental decline, research suggests. Scientists who monitored the progress of 4,000 study participants over five years found no evidence that omega-3 capsules kept them any sharper witted as they aged. Other studies have associated regular fish consumption with lower rates of the eye condition age-related macular degeneration (AMD), heart disease, and dementia, as well as larger brain volumes.

Contrary to popular belief, we didn’t see any benefit of omega-3 supplements for stopping cognitive decline.

Dr Emily Chew, from the US National Eye

It has been widely assumed that omega-3 fatty acids are behind the dietary benefits of fish. They are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for the growth and repair of nerves. But the new research indicates that fish oil supplements on their own are not enough to keep the brain young. Earlier findings from the same study found that high doses of certain antioxidants and minerals could slow the progression of AMD, a leading cause of vision loss that results in damage to the retina of the eye with advancing age. However, the scientists found that when additional omega-3 supplements were given to the participants, whose average age was around 73, it made no difference.

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