03.01.05
Indication: Cognitive function
Source: Am J Clin Nutr, December 21, 2004;80(6):1650-1657.
Research: An observational study was conducted in subjects born in 1936 whose mental ability was tested in 1947. The subjects were followed up in 2000–2001, at which time cognition, diet, food supplement use and risk factors for vascular disease were assessed. In a nested case-control study, fish-oil users were matched with nonusers, and cognitive function was related to erythrocyte n–3 fatty acid composition.
Results: Childhood intelligence quotient (IQ) did not differ significantly by category of food supplement use (i.e., none, fish oil, vitamins and other). At the age of 64, however, cognitive function was higher in food supplement users than in nonusers before adjustment for childhood IQ. After adjustment for childhood IQ, digit symbol (mental speed) test scores were higher in food supplement users. Fish oil supplement users also consumed more vitamin C and vegetable and cereal fiber than did non-supplement-users. Researchers concluded that omega 3 fatty acids could improve retention of cognitive function in old age.
Source: Am J Clin Nutr, December 21, 2004;80(6):1650-1657.
Research: An observational study was conducted in subjects born in 1936 whose mental ability was tested in 1947. The subjects were followed up in 2000–2001, at which time cognition, diet, food supplement use and risk factors for vascular disease were assessed. In a nested case-control study, fish-oil users were matched with nonusers, and cognitive function was related to erythrocyte n–3 fatty acid composition.
Results: Childhood intelligence quotient (IQ) did not differ significantly by category of food supplement use (i.e., none, fish oil, vitamins and other). At the age of 64, however, cognitive function was higher in food supplement users than in nonusers before adjustment for childhood IQ. After adjustment for childhood IQ, digit symbol (mental speed) test scores were higher in food supplement users. Fish oil supplement users also consumed more vitamin C and vegetable and cereal fiber than did non-supplement-users. Researchers concluded that omega 3 fatty acids could improve retention of cognitive function in old age.