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- Title
Effects of Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Function in Mildly Hypertensive Older Adults.
- Authors
Howe, Peter R. C.; Evans, Hamish M.; Kuszewski, Julia C.; Wong, Rachel H. X.
- Abstract
Purported benefits of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCn-3PUFA) for brain function may be attributable, at least in part, to improved cerebral perfusion. A pilot randomised controlled trial was undertaken to investigate effects of taking a DHA-rich fish oil supplement for 20 weeks on cerebrovascular function, mood and cognitive performance. Borderline hypertensives aged 40–85 years with low habitual LCn-3PUFA intake took four capsules/day of EPAX (1600 mg DHA + 400 mg EPA) or placebo (corn oil). Cerebrovascular function was assessed at baseline and after 20 weeks in 38 completers (19 on each supplement) using transcranial Doppler ultrasound of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery at rest and whilst performing a battery of cognitive tasks (neurovascular coupling). The primary outcome, cerebrovascular responsiveness (CVR) to hypercapnia, increased 26% (p = 0.024) in women; there was no change in men. In contrast, neurovascular coupling increased significantly (p = 0.01 for the overall response) in men only; the latter correlated with an increase of EPA in erythrocytes (r = 0.616, p = 0.002). There was no associated improvement of mood or cognition in either men or women. These preliminary observations indicate that LCn-3PUFA supplementation has the potential to enhance blood flow in the brain in response to both hypercapnic and cognitive stimuli. Future studies should examine differential effects of EPA and DHA and take account of the gender differences in responsiveness to supplementation.
- Subjects
BRAIN physiology; CEREBRAL veins; HYPERTENSION; ERYTHROCYTES; BLOOD circulation; PHARMACEUTICAL encapsulation; CEREBRAL arteries; COGNITION; CORN oil; DIETARY supplements; FISH oils; HYPERCAPNIA; INGESTION; OMEGA-3 fatty acids; TRANSCRANIAL Doppler ultrasonography; UNSATURATED fatty acids; DOCOSAHEXAENOIC acid; PILOT projects; RANDOMIZED controlled trials; PHYSIOLOGY; DIAGNOSIS
- Publication
Nutrients, 2018, Vol 10, Issue 10, p1413
- ISSN
2072-6643
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/nu10101413