Higher omega-3 blood levels associated with larger brain volumes

Image: PD 

1. Higher blood levels of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids were associated with larger total and hippocampal brain volumes in post-menopausal women eight years later. 

2. No association was found between omega-3 blood levels and ischemic brain lesion volume. 

Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)            

Study Rundown: In this study, researchers found that higher blood levels of two marine omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, were associated with both larger hippocampal and total brain volumes. Strengths include a long follow-up time (8 years) and the use of red blood cell levels of DHA and EPA for exposure ascertainment, a measure that minimizes variability in metabolism. Additional research is merited to determine associations between omega-3 supplements with functional outcomes, like dementia severity, and assess causality.

Click to read the study in Neurology

Relevant Reading: Structural brain changes in aging

In-Depth [prospective study]: Researchers measured red blood cell levels of two marine omega-3 fatty acids–eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—in 1,111 postmenopausal women in the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study. Primary outcomes include MRI-assessed total brain volume at a median of eight years after blood draw.

In an adjusted model, one standard deviation of DHA/EPA level was associated with a 2.1 cm³  larger total brain volume (p=0.048) and 50 mm³ larger hippocampal volume (p=0.036). Compared with the first quartile of omega-3 levels, the fourth quartile was associated with a 159 mm³ greater hippocampal volume (p=0.034). There was no association between ischemic lesion volume and omega-3 levels.

By Maren Shapiro and Leah Hawkins, MD, MPH

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