Some researchers have labeled omega-3 fatty acids as "brain food," but a recent study says otherwise.
Studies have found that the fatty acids that can be obtained by eating fish or taking fish oil supplements could prevent memory loss, but many medical experts are not convinced, Reuters reported.
"There has been a lot of interest in omega-3s as a way to prevent or delay cognitive decline, but unfortunately our study did not find a protective effect in older women. In addition, most randomized trials of omega-3 supplements have not found an effect," study author Eric Ammann, MS, of the University of Iowa, said in a news release. "However, we do not recommend that people change their diet based on these results. Researchers continue to study the relationship between omega-3s and the health of the heart, blood vessels, and brain. We know that fish and nuts can be healthy alternatives to red meat and full-fat dairy products, which are high in saturated fats."
The study looked at 2,157 women between the ages of 65 and 80 who were receiving hormone therapy through the Women's Health Initiative. The women were annually tested on their thinking and memory skills for six years. During the exams the women's levels of omega-3s were also analyzed through a blood test.
The study failed to find a difference in mental abilities between the women with higher and lower concentrations of the fatty acids. There was also no difference in the rate at which their thinking skills declined over the years.
Researchers may need to conduct a longer study in order to determine the real effects of fatty acids on memory. The blood tests could have only reflected omega-3 intake over the few months prior, Reuters reported.
"It's just one snapshot, one point in time. The feeling as we look at all these chronic diseases ... is it's really what happens over your lifetime that's important in terms of diet and physical activity," Doctor Jennifer G. Robinson from the University of Iowa, senior author of the report said, Reuters reported.
Another limit to the study is that the participants were mostly composed of healthy and well-educated individuals which could have given them a mental advantage over "less-advantaged" women.
