Research paper
DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial.
Study answer
What this study found
DHA supplementation improved memory performance and reaction time for memory, but it did not meaningfully improve attention or processing speed overall. Episodic memory showed a sex-by-treatment interaction (P = 0.01), with women improving more, and reaction time for episodic memory and working memory improved versus placebo (P = 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively). APOE genotype did not change the overall cognitive response, although APOE3 sex-by-treatment interactions were seen for reaction time of working memory (P = 0.02) and attention (P = 0.005). Burping and unpleasant breath were more…
- Study & population
- Randomized controlled trial in healthy adults aged 18 to 45 years with low habitual long-chain omega-3 intake in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Intervention
- Participants in the active arm took DHA capsules orally once daily with a meal for 6 months.
- Key limitation
- Single-site study with a moderate sample size and substantial attrition from randomization to complete baseline and end data in the DHA arm.
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
BACKGROUND Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important for brain function, and its status is dependent on dietary intakes. Therefore, individuals who consume diets low in omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids may cognitively benefit from DHA suppleme…