Eating 1 or 2 servings of fish per week can protect older women from the adverse brain effects of air pollution

A new study suggests that consuming one or two grilled fish a week may protect older women from the negative effects on the brain of air pollution. According to scientists, fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids may be driving these benefits.

Researchers at Columbia University in New York have found that older women who live in highly polluted areas and ingest fish have high blood omega-3 acids. They also showed that the brain had a large volume and was healthy.

Brain mass decreases with age, and this loss leads to impaired mental performance. The first author of the study at the University of Columbia Irving Medical Center is Dr. Chen Cheng, MEA Worldwide (MEAWW).

Researchers speculated that omega-3 acids might maintain brain volume. “Because environmental pollution is unavoidable, these findings provide valuable insights on how a healthy diet can reduce the adverse effects of air pollution on cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.” She added.

Air pollution and brain

Air pollution particles enter the brain and cause damage. A specific risk is particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), a contaminant with a width of about 2.5 micrometers. For comparison, the average human hair diameter is about 70 micrometers. These particles float in the air and can be dangerous if inhaled. They reach the lungs, Short term Health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung inflammation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath. They are exacerbating conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and more recently Covid-19.

These pollutants also contribute to brain inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids probably work by reducing inflammation. Other explanations include the role of protecting cells involved in myelin production and maintenance. Myelin is a fatty substance that ensures our nerve fibers function. They also promote white matter repair-the part of the brain involved in learning and thinking, to name a few.

“In a previous study, fish oil reduced brain damage caused by exposure to various environmental neurotoxins such as lead, organic solvents, and methylmercury. Exposure to PM2.5 was associated with risk of cognitive decline. It was a factor and reduced brain volume, but no studies have investigated whether fish oil provides similar protection against PM2.5 exposure,” Dr. Chen explained.

What did the research find?

They investigated whether omega-3 fatty acids protect people from PM 2.5. They studied 1,315 women with an average age of 70 years and collected comprehensive data on blood omega-3 fatty acid levels, PM2.5 exposure, and MRI scans of the brain.

Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire that recorded their fish intake patterns. They didn’t consider fried fish because this cooking method damages omega-3 fatty acids. They also collected blood samples to measure nutrient levels.

Next, the team collected the addresses of participants’ residences and measured their average exposure to air pollution over three years. Researchers introduced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look into the brain and measured the volume of the brain.

Comparing MRI, blood tests, and air pollution exposure data, the researchers found that women with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood had higher white matter brain volume. Women with low circulation levels are 410 cubic centimeters. The nutrient was 403 cm3.

In addition, women who have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood also have higher amounts of the hippocampus, a part of their brain that is associated with memory. Dr. Chen added that further research needs to be further explored to gain a clear understanding of how omega-3 fatty acids reduce pollutant-induced brain damage.

Should you eat fish?

“Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and is easy to add to the diet,” says research author Dr. Ka He. Some examples include salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, sardines. Vegetarians can get nutrients from nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, certain brands of eggs, yogurt, milk, soy drinks, and infant formulas, National Institutes of Health..

But his study added that their study only showed a link between brain volume and eating fish, adding that it did not prove it was protective. We also advised to consult a doctor before looking at seafood, as some species may contain environmental toxins.

This study American Academy of Neurology..

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have questions about a medical condition, always seek advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider.