SCIENTISTS BELIEVE FISH OIL IS NOT EFFECTIVE AGAINST DEMENTIA
Has the favorite supplement of millions turned out to be a dud? Scientists have made a discovery about fish oil.
Unexpected results were obtained during experiments
Millions of people worldwide consume fish oil, believing it to be beneficial for the brain, heart, and inflammation. However, a new study has cast doubt on the true preventative value of this dietary supplement.“We’d all like to find a simple panacea for preventing Alzheimer’s disease, but our results show that fish oil supplements do not protect brain health,” said Dr. Hussein Naji Yassin, director of the Center for Personalized Brain Health at the University of Southern California.
According to the New York Post, fish oil does contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for eye and joint health. However, scientists have not confirmed the effectiveness of taking fish oil as a protective measure against dementia.Researchers conducted an experiment involving 365 people aged 55 to 80 at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. They took fish oil daily for two years. The supplement was absorbed by the body, but it had no effect on the participants’ memory or attention: they performed no better on thinking tests than those taking a placebo. Taking the capsules did not slow the decline in the volume of the hippocampus, a key brain region responsible for memory and the first to be affected in Alzheimer’s disease.
Previously, scientists found that fish oil doesn’t prolong life or protect the heart. Moreover, it can trigger arrhythmia, increase the risk of stroke, and slow recovery from head injuries. Instead of capsules, they recommended switching to a Mediterranean diet: eating regular fish, leafy greens, berries, nuts, and adding olive oil to your diet.