Brain Health across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review on the Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

Abstract

The brain is the most significant and complex organ of the human body. Increasingly, we are becoming aware that certain nutrients may help to safeguard brain health. An expanse of research has investigated the effects of omega fatty acids in relation to brain health but effects across the lifespan have not been widely evaluated. The present systematic review collated evidence from 25 randomized controlled trials (n = 3633) published since 2013. Compared with control groups, omega-3 supplementation generally correlated with improvements in blood biomarkers. Subsequently, these appear to benefit those with lower baseline fatty acid levels, who are breastfeeding or who have neuropsychiatric conditions. Whilst multiple studies indicate that omega fatty acids can protect against neurodegeneration in older adults, more work is needed in the years preceding the diagnosis of such medical conditions. Bearing in mind the scale of ageing populations and rising healthcare costs linked to poor brain health, omega supplementation could be a useful strategy for helping to augment dietary intakes and support brain health across the lifespan. Ongoing research is now needed using harmonious methodologies, supplement dosages, ratios and intervention periods to help formulate congruent conclusions.

Tolerance of Broilers to Dietary Supplementation with High Levels of the DHA-Rich Microalga, Aurantiochytrium Limacinum: Effects on Health and Productivity

“…The health benefits associated with an increased intake of long chain omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are becoming increasingly clear [ 1 ]. Long chain n-3 FAs have been shown to decrease the risk of some cardiovascular diseases [ 2 ], can be beneficial in the treatment of some types of cancer [ 3 ], can improve higher cognitive functions when provided to infants [ 4 ], and can reduce cognitive decline for the elderly [ 5 ]. However, in many parts of the world, these benefits are not feasible for the population as insufficient quantities of n-3 FAs are consumed through diet.…”

Plant-Based Meats, Human Health, and Climate Change

“…Nonetheless, as studies suggest that the human brain only requires 5 mg of DHA per day (Rapoport et al, 2007;Umhau et al, 2009), it is estimated that 1,200 mg of ALA can provide these minimum requirements (Barcelo-Coblijn and Murphy, 2009), though this minimum amount is not considered optimal for health. While no official daily recommended intakes exist for DHA and EPA, numerous studies demonstrate that combined intakes of DHA and EPA ranging from 250 to 1000 mg/day improve cognitive function and other health parameters (Yurko-Mauro et al, 2015;Derbyshire, 2018), and such amounts are therefore often recommended by various health organizations (WHO, 2008;EFSA, 2012).…”

Systems Biology Approaches to Understand the Host–Microbiome Interactions in Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Besides health benefits, nutritional sources must come from a sustainable and affordable origins (Willett et al, 2019). As example, the intake of omega-3 FA has been focus of research as a preventive approach supporting brain health across the lifespan (Derbyshire, 2018). However, there is a concern in reaching the recommended intake of omega-3 FA from cold water fish supply.…”

“…The gut microbiota is involved in the bioavailability of some of these neuroprotective sources ( Wang et al, 2015 ; Yuan et al, 2016 ; Chen et al, 2017 ). Phenolic acids ( Wang et al, 2015 ), flavonoids ( Vafeiadou et al, 2007 ; Vauzour et al, 2008 ; Spencer et al, 2012 ), omega-3 fatty acid (FA) ( Derbyshire, 2018 ), B vitamins ( Kennedy, 2016 ), and curcumin ( Ray and Lahiri, 2009 ) are examples of the diverse array of interesting brain nutritional bioactive molecules. We live in an overpopulated world with an aging population undergoing a period of climate change with extreme impact on food availability and sustainable production.…”