Middle-aged omega-3 levels are associated with brain structure, cognition

An exploratory cross-sectional study showed that red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid concentrations were associated with brain structure and cognitive function during middle age.

According to Dr. Claudia Satizabal of the University of Texas San Antonio Health Science Center and others, in about 2,200 people with an average age of 46, the higher the omega-3 index, the larger the hippocampus volume and the better the abstract reasoning. rice field..

In addition, APOE4 Carriers with higher omega-3 indices had lower white matter high-intensity loads, they reported. neurology.

The Omega-3 Index is a combination of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations measured by gas chromatography.

This study is one of the first to identify a relationship between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as DHA and EPA, and brain health in young adults.

“A new contribution here is that even at a young age, a diet containing omega-3 fatty acids already protects the brain from most indicators of brain aging seen in middle age. ‘ said Satizabal. said in his statement.

Omega-3 fatty acids are primarily obtained from dietary sources such as cold water, fatty fish, omega-3 fortified foods, or from dietary supplements. In the brain, DHA is incorporated into the membranes of neurons and glial cells. Both DHA and EPA are metabolized into bioactive molecules involved in neurogenesis, neurotransmission, and resolution of inflammation.

Observational studies have shown that higher intakes of DHA and EPA in older adults Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease disease.omega-3 fatty acid levels protect the old brain From environmental exposures such as air pollution. Studies have shown a link between a pro-inflammatory diet low in omega-3s and brain volume and more. A marker of brain aging in the elderly.

“Despite positive associations with brain outcomes observed in population-based and studies, results from dietary intervention studies using omega-3 PUFA supplementation have been inconsistent,” said Satizabal. a colleague pointed out.

“These studies may be hampered in part by interventions deemed too late in the course of the disease when individuals may have already experienced significant neuronal damage.

Researchers evaluated 2,183 primarily middle-aged people without dementia and stroke at baseline in the Framingham Heart Study’s Generation 3 and Omni 2 cohorts. Overall, 53% were female and 22% were female. APOE4 career.

Participants underwent brain MRI and cognitive function tests for episodic memory, processing speed, executive function, and abstract reasoning.

Higher levels of all omega-3 predictors (EPA, DHA, and omega-3 index) were associated with greater hippocampal volume when modeled continuously.All increases in standard deviation units of the log-transformed omega-3 index were associated with 0.003 cm³ The hippocampal volume is larger than the intracranial volume. The association between higher omega-3 PUFAs and larger hippocampal volume remained significant after considering vascular risk factors.

All three omega-3 predictors were associated with better abstract reasoning test scores. Participants in the top three quartiles of EPA level performed better on abstract reasoning than those in the bottom EPA quartiles. Again, the association remained after adjusting for vascular risk factors.

Higher levels of all omega-3 predictors were also associated with decreased white matter hypersignal. APOE4 career. Increased EPA levels were associated with better performance on abstract reasoning tests. APOE4 A carrier, but not a non-carrier.

The findings suggest that moderate omega-3 consumption may be sufficient to maintain brain function, the researchers say. “This is consistent with current American Heart Association Dietary guidelines to consume at least two servings of fish per week to improve cardiovascular health.

“Although these results need to be confirmed by additional studies, it is interesting that omega-3 levels may play a role in improving cognitive resilience, even in middle-aged people,” she said. Added.

Limitations include the predominantly Caucasian population of the study cohort and the cross-sectional design of the study, which the researchers acknowledged provided only a snapshot in time.