# Vitamin D3 Plus DHA Beat Either Alone for Memory in Older Adults With MCI

*Effects of a Combined Vitamin D3 and Docosahexaenoic Acid Intervention on Cognitive Function and Blood Pyroptotic Biomarkers in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 12-Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.*

- **Evidence Level**: Strong
- **Why this grade**: Twelve-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 360 older adults with MCI, with near-complete follow-up of 355 participants, though still a single trial awaiting replication.
- **Facts**: Design: Randomized Controlled Trial · Funding: National Natural Science Foundation of China
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
- **Journal**: Nutrients
- **Sample Size**: 360 older adults with mild cognitive impairment (355 completed)
- **Authors**: Yuan J, Yang R, Chen H, Zhao H, Chen X, Lou Z, Han X, Ma F
- **Graded and published**: 2026-08-25
- **Last edited**: 2026-09-17
- **Topics**: vitamin D3, omega-3, cognition
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18172777
- **Free full text**: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13567455/
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42738950/

## Summary

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment took vitamin D3, DHA (an omega-3 fat), both, or a placebo for a year. All three supplement groups scored better on IQ-based cognitive tests than placebo, but the combination did best. Blood markers of a fiery type of cell death called pyroptosis also dropped most in the combined group, and one of them, GSDMD, seemed to explain part of the mental gains.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests vitamin D3 with DHA may support thinking skills in older adults with mild cognitive decline.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/vitamin-d3-plus-dha-beat-either-alone-for-memory-in-older-adults-with-mci · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-09-17_