Study shows no benefit of omega-3 or other nutritional supplements for cognitive decline

NIH | SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

While some research suggests that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can protect brain health, a large clinical trial found that omega-3 supplements did not slow cognitive decline in older persons. With 4,000 patients followed over a five-year period, the study is one of the largest and longest of its kind.

NIH study raises doubt about any benefits omega-3 may have for cognitive decline. Credit: NEI.

Dr. Chew leads the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), which was designed to investigate a combination of nutritional supplements for slowing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of vision loss. That study established that daily high doses of certain antioxidants and minerals — called the AREDS formulation — can help slow the progression to advanced AMD.

A later study, called AREDS2, tested the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the AREDS formula. But the omega-3’s made no difference.

Omega-3 supplements are available over-the-counter and often labeled as supporting brain health. A large 2011 study found that omega-3 supplements did not improve the brain health of older patients with preexisting heart disease.

With AREDS2, Dr. Chew and her team saw another opportunity to investigate the possible cognitive benefits of omega-3 supplements.

Participants were given cognitive function tests at the beginning of the study to establish a baseline, then at two and four years later. The cognition scores indicating that no combination of nutritional supplements made a difference.

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