Takin fish oil supplements is very valuable to your memory
Fish oil has been proven to improve memory and enhance cognition in healthy adults, according to new research.
A number of memory measure improved as a result of the supplementation, but key findings include; 15 per cent faster speed of working memory in men and a 7 per cent improvement in the speed of episodic memory (delayed word recognition) in women.
The randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial of 176 healthy adults, undertakena t 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 funstioning of the brain.
Our bodies cannot effectively make this fatty acid, so it is essential we comsume 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.
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 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.
Professor Stonehouse continues: “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.”