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Omega-3 supplements 'unlikely to prevent cognitive decline'
June 13, 2012
A Cochrane review suggests that omega-3 supplements do not provide benefits for cognitive decline.
Older people who take omega-3 supplements are unlikely to benefit from a reduced rate of cognitive decline, according to a new review.
UK researchers looked at three high-quality clinical trials lasting up to 3.5 years, all of which had investigated the effect of omega-3 supplements on cognitive decline.
Data were available on more than 3,500 over-60s who took omega-3 fatty acids - either in supplements or margarine spread - or a placebo or olive oil.
They found that supplements were no better at preventing cognitive decline than placebo capsules or margarine.
Alan Dangour, a nutritionist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine who took part in the Cochrane review, said: "From these studies, there doesn't appear to be any benefit for cognitive health for older people of taking omega-3 supplements."
However, the expert insisted that people should still aim to eat two portions of fish each week, including one serving of oily fish.
Dr Marie Janson, from Alzheimer's Research UK, said that the trials had relatively short follow-up periods, and that there may still be longer-term benefits from taking omega-3 fish oil supplements.
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