High-Dose DHA Reaches the Brain but Didn't Boost Memory in 2 Years
Graded Strong — randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 365 older adults over 24 months, though dropout reached 38%, largely due to COVID-19, and all participants came from a single site.
- Design
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- Participants
- 365
- Duration
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- Funding
- One author reports grants from and consulting fees for many drug companies…
This study suggests high-dose DHA reaches the brain but may not improve memory in at-risk older adults.
Omega-3 DHA is a popular pick for brain health, especially for people at risk of dementia. This two-year trial gave older adults with low omega-3 intake high-dose DHA. The DHA clearly made it into their brain fluid, even in those carrying the high-risk APOE ε4 gene. But there was no difference in memory, thinking, or brain size compared to placebo.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: One author reports grants from and consulting fees for many drug companies, including Eisai, Roche, and Novo Nordisk, outside this work.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
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