Fish oil supplementation could improve memory in healthy adults
The results of a groundbreaking study presented at a conference in New Zealand indicate supplementation with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) fish oil can provide significant benefits for improving memory and enhancing cognition in healthy adults with no pre-existing cognitive disorders. A number of memory measures improved as a result of the supplementation but key findings include:
15% faster speed of working memory in men
7% improvement in the speed of episodic memory (delayed word recognition) in women
The randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial of 176 healthy adults, undertaken at Massey University in New Zealand over a six month period, supplemented non-smoking adults with habitually low intakes of fish and seafood, with the concentrated DHA rich fish oil active ingredient in the Efalex® Active 50+ supplement or a placebo.
DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid, is one of the most highly concentrated fats in the brain and known to play a vital role in the structure and functioning of the brain. Our bodies cannot effectively make this fatty acid, so it is essential we consume it as part of our diet. The best sources are fish and seafood which unfortunately means that most people’s intake is insufficient potentially compromising the brain’s ability to perform at its peak.
The trial, completed in real time, saw baseline scores for memory and cognitive function assessed using a computerised cognitive performance test battery. The results were then clustered into four cognitive domains – memory, working memory, speed of memory and attention.
After six months of treatment, memory, working memory and speed of working memory showed statistically significant improvements in women in the Efalex® Active 50+ group compared to the placebo. Speed of working memory also showed statistically significant improvements in men in the same group.
Lead Investigator Professor Welma Stonehouse comments: “This is the first robust study to show that a DHA-rich supplement can improve some aspects of memory functioning in young healthy adults that normally follow an omega-3 deficient diet. These findings contribute to the growing body of research showing that omega-3’s play a very important role in brain function throughout the life cycle, even in healthy cognitively intact individuals.”
“The cognitive functions shown to be affected by the DHA-rich fish oil, namely memory and working memory, are among the most important functions of our brains for numerous everyday activities, such as working, driving, shopping, studying, playing sports, etc. Maintaining brain health and getting your brain to perform at its optimal capacity is just as vital as maintaining physical wellbeing and health.”
Peter Clough, Technical Director of Efamol Ltd said: “This landmark study indicates that supplementation with a high DHA fish oil supplement such as Efalex® Active 50+, can provide significant benefits for enhancing memory and cognition in healthy adults. Numerous correlational and laboratory studies have demonstrated deficits in this long-chain omega 3 fatty acid impair cognitive function. Previous intervention studies have measured symptom improvements in age related cognitive decline[ii] [iii] and developmental cognitive disorders in children.[iv] However, to date very few studies have investigated the effects of DHA on cognitive function in healthy adults with no pre-existing cognitive disorder. When you consider typically measures of memory deteriorate by some 30% as part of the normal aging process improvements on this scale are really quite significant”
Efalex Active 50+ is the first fish oil supplement developed specifically for the over 50’s, containing a unique combination of ingredients, including high quality fish oils, ginkgo biloba, vitamin B12 and folic acid, all known for their beneficial role in maintaining healthy brain function and performance. Efamol’s Efalex Active 50+ is available from Boots and Waitrose priced £9.49 for 30 capsules. Efamol’s scientifically proven omega-3 and omega-6 based supplements offer brain nutrition for the entire family. For further information visit efamol.com.
