Omega-3 is indeed necessary for the body, but it should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Otherwise, you risk triggering accelerated brain aging.
Many people know about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in seafood, olive oil, and walnuts. Some decide to start taking the healing "omega" in the form of dietary supplements without any indications or tests.
However, buying vitamins and minerals "just for health" is not recommended. Even the most expensive dietary supplement can be harmful, and dealing with the consequences can take a long time, warns Doctorpiter.
A new study published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease showed that omega-3 can only harm the brain if taken indiscriminately.
Specialists from Chongqing Medical University, along with colleagues from the Third Military Medical University in China, worked on the research for five years. During this time, they studied cognitive changes and brain structure characteristics in 273 individuals who regularly took omega-3. The control group consisted of 546 volunteers who refused the supplement.
The experts adjusted for age, medical history, genetics, and other characteristics of all participants. However, the experiment still showed that the main group experienced a faster decline in scores on three cognitive tests that each participant underwent during the study.
To understand why this was happening, the researchers examined brain scans for physical changes. It turned out that the accelerated decline in cognitive functions was not associated with typical signs of Alzheimer's disease, such as the accumulation of amyloid plaques or abnormal tau protein clusters.
Instead, the scans revealed a significant decrease in glucose metabolism in the brain. The scientists suggest that this may be related to the intake of omega-3 supplements.
"The intake of omega-3 supplements may be associated with accelerated cognitive decline in the elderly. This is likely due to its effect on synaptic function in the brain rather than classical protein pathologies associated with Alzheimer's disease," the authors of the study write in their article.
Importantly, the researchers note that their results should not be considered definitive. This was an observational study, not a clinical trial, which revealed more of a correlation than a clear cause.
However, one conclusion can be made for sure: do not take supplements just for the sake of it or "for health." Always consult a doctor before taking any supplements. This way, you will gain benefits rather than harm your body.
