Fish oil is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, which have consistently shown benefits in clinical research for conditions like ADHD, depression, memory loss, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s. DHA, in particular, showed performance improvements in standardized tests, executive function, verbal ability, and mental adaptation. Fish oil supplementation is especially important for those whose fish intake is low.
References
1. Plasma long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and atrophy of the medial temporal lobe.
Samieri C, Maillard P, Crivello F, Proust-Lima C, Peuchant E, Helmer C, Amieva H, Allard M, Dartigues JF, Cunnane SC, Mazoyer BM, Barberger-Gateau P., Neurology, 2012
2. Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline.
Yurko-Mauro K, McCarthy D, Rom D, Nelson EB, Ryan AS, Blackwell A, Salem N Jr, Stedman M; MIDAS Investigators., Alzheimer’s & Dementia: the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association., 2010
3. DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial
Stonehouse W, Conlon CA, Podd J, Hill SR, Minihane AM, Haskell C, and Kennedy D., The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2013
4. Cognitive and physiological effects of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in healthy subjects.
Fontani G, Corradeschi F, Felici A, Alfatti F, Migliorini S, Lodi L., European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2005
5. Dietary intake of fatty acids and fish in relation to cognitive performance at middle age
Kalmijn S, van Boxtel MP, Ocké M, Verschuren WM, Kromhout D, Launer LJ., Neurology, 2004
6. Serum phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid is associated with cognitive functioning during middle adulthood.
Muldoon MF, Ryan CM, Sheu L, Yao JK, Conklin SM, Manuck SB., The Journal of Nutrition, 2010
7. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids monotherapy in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment: a preliminary randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Chiu CC, Su KP, Cheng TC, Liu HC, Chang CJ, Dewey ME, Stewart R, Huang SY., Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 2008
8. EPA supplementation improves teacher-rated behavior and oppositional symptoms in children with ADHD.
Gustafsson PA, Birberg-Thornberg U, Duchén K, Landgren M, Malmberg K, Pelling H, Strandvik B, Karlsson T., Acta Paediatrica, 2010
