Source-www.newsweek.com
Fish oil has long been touted for its various health benefits, from supporting cardiovascular health to aiding fetal development. Recent research, however, has brought a new focus to the potential role of fish oil in reducing Alzheimer’s disease risk. A recent study suggests that fish oil supplements might offer benefits to older individuals who carry a specific gene linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s.
Study Findings and Implications
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, explored the impact of fish oil supplements on older adults with the APOEε4 gene, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that fish oil supplements appeared to slow the breakdown of nerve cells in the brains of those with this gene.
The research involved 102 participants aged 75 and older who had low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. All participants were initially healthy, with no signs of dementia, though some exhibited common white matter lesions. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 1.65 grams of omega-3 daily or a placebo in the form of soybean oil capsules.
Gene-Specific Benefits
While the study did not show a significant overall benefit from fish oil supplements across the entire group, a notable exception was found among those with the APOEε4 gene. For these individuals, fish oil appeared to mitigate the progression of white matter lesions and reduce nerve cell breakdown more effectively than the placebo.
Dr. Allder, one of the study’s lead researchers, explained that carriers of the APOEε4 gene might have a different metabolic or inflammatory response to omega-3 fatty acids compared to non-carriers. This gene is associated with increased brain inflammation and oxidative stress, which omega-3s are known to counteract.
Cautious Optimism
The study’s senior co-author, Dr. Lynne Shinto, ND, MPH, cautioned that while the findings are promising, they do not warrant a blanket recommendation for fish oil supplements among all older adults. “Our findings showed that over three years, there was not a statistically significant difference between placebo and the group that took fish oil,” she said. “I don’t think it would be harmful, but I wouldn’t say you need to take fish oil to prevent dementia.”
Experts agree that fish oil is generally safe, but they recommend consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. Molly Rapozo, RDN, a senior nutrition and health educator, emphasized that while fish oils are generally well-tolerated, individual responses can vary, especially among those with genetic predispositions like APOEε4.
Future Research Directions
Both Dr. Allder and Rapozo highlighted the need for larger and more comprehensive studies to verify these findings and explore the broader applicability of fish oil for Alzheimer’s prevention. Allder suggested that future research should include more diverse sample sizes and investigate the long-term effects of omega-3s on cognitive health.
Rapozo proposed increasing the dosage of omega-3s in future studies, noting that higher doses, such as 2-4 grams per day, have shown benefits in other inflammatory conditions. “With 2 or more grams per day, we may see a more significant effect,” she said.
Conclusion
While this study offers intriguing evidence that fish oil could benefit older adults with the APOEε4 gene, it also underscores the need for further research. Until more conclusive results are available, individuals should consult with healthcare professionals to tailor their approach to managing Alzheimer’s risk and consider dietary sources of omega-3s, such as cold-water fish, as part of a balanced diet.
