Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a precursor to dementia, and can involve impaired memory, language, thinking, and judgment. One potential contributing factor to MCI is oxidative stress, so a recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry sought to determine whether there is a link between omega-3 EPA and DHA intake and a marker of oxidative stress in the blood—plasma lipid peroxidation.
Omega-3 EPA and DHA intake was analyzed in 67 people with MCI and 134 healthy adults. Those people with higher EPA and DHA intakes had lower oxidative stress levels in people with mild cognitive impairment. They also found that higher omega-3 intake was linked to better cognitive function, and higher oxidative stress levels were linked with poorer cognitive function.
I’m not sure why the researchers didn’t measure omega-3 levels while they measured oxidative stress levels, to get an even better idea of how much omega-3 the participants actually retained. It seems this step is often missed in omega-3 research. At any rate, the study is encouraging. It concludes, “The findings revealed that DHA and EPA can play a role in alleviating oxidative stress and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.”
Support brain health now with omega-3 supplementation so that you may avoid poor health later.