Omega-3 fatty acids for improving cognition Original paper

In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids improved cognition.

The effects of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

The outcomes assessed were global cognitive function, memory, and depression symptoms.

A total of 1,124 older adults (ages ≥60) with mild cognitive impairment.

A meta-analysis including data from 12 randomized controlled trials was conducted. All of the studies had the intervention group supplement with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), either alone or in combination with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Most of the studies were conducted in China, and one study was conducted in each country of Italy, Malaysia, Iran, United Kingdom, and Spain.

In the studies that had participants supplement with DHA alone, the daily dose ranged from 800 to 2,000 mg. In the studies that had the participants supplement with EPA and DHA, the total daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids ranged from 300 to 1,800 mg. The duration of the interventions ranged from 2 to 24 months.

Compared to the control, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids moderately improved global cognitive function.