SCIENTISTS in the North East say fish oil can reduce mental fatigue in young adults and could potentially help pave the way to preventing dementia in later life.
In the first of two studies published on the online edition of the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers at Northumbria University found that taking two different types of fish oil supplement containing omega-3 reduced mental tiredness and resulted in faster reaction times in those aged 18 to 35.
Their second study found that taking DHA-rich fish oil over the same three-month period increased blood flow to active areas of the brain during performance of mental tasks.
Scientists at the university now believe these findings could have significant implications for mental function later on in life as taking fish oil supplements may prevent cognitive decline – and dementia and increased blood flow to the brain could be one process by which this occurs.
Lead researcher Dr Philippa Jackson said: “The research that we have undertaken is a great development and step forward in understanding the impact of omega-3 on cognitive function.
“We need to find out what these fish-oils do to the body and we are conducting this research for a very good reason. There continues to be misinformation surrounding the health benefits of fish oils and our research is helping to dispel these so that people can make informed decisions.”
Contrary to previous research, the findings of the study suggest that taking omega-3 or fish oil supplements may not have an immediate or measurable impact on mental performance in healthy young adults. The North East researchers believe that a possible explanation for this is due to the fact that between the ages of 18 and 35 people are already performing at their mental peak or that higher doses of fish oil supplements are needed or a longer testing period is required.
As initial results suggest benefits may be seen with longer-term supplementation in older age groups, researchers now plan to investigate this in people between the ages of 50 and 70 to assess the impact of a fish oil supplement on their memory, mental performance and blood flow to the brain.
Researchers are now hoping to recruit more people to take part in their study to investigate the effects of DHA in older people.
They are keen to hear from individuals who are generally healthy, living in the area who feel their memory is not as good as it used to be and who don’t currently eat oily fish on a regular basis or take omega-3 supplements.
Participants will be asked to take a DHA-rich supplement for six months, for which they will receive £50 and a 12-month supply of the supplement.
People interested in taking part in the study should contact Joanne Forster on (0191) 204 8818. Alternatively, they can email her at her address: bpnrc@northumbria.ac.uk
