This Nutrient Could Help Protect Brain Structure As You Age, Study Finds

1 week ago

mbg Health Contributor

By Gretchen Lidicker, M.S.

mbg Health Contributor

Gretchen Lidicker earned her master’s grade successful physiology pinch a attraction connected replacement medicine from Georgetown University. She is nan writer of “CBD Oil Everyday Secrets” and “Magnesium Everyday Secrets.”

May 24, 2023

We each want to property arsenic gracefully arsenic J.Lo and Paul Rudd, and patient aging starts pinch due nutrition. But what nutrients are astir important for patient aging? A new study suggests that omega-3s—a cardinal family of polyunsaturated fats recovered successful foods for illustration nuts, seeds, and fish—may beryllium captious for maintaining and moreover improving encephalon wellness arsenic nan years spell by.

This advertisement is displayed utilizing 3rd statement contented and we do not power its accessibility features.

A caller study connected omega-3s and nan aging brain

One of nan telltale signs of getting older—and 1 of nan symptoms galore of america fearfulness nan most—is a nonaccomplishment of intelligence quickness and patient cognition. That whitethorn beryllium why researchers from nan Duke-NUS Medical School and nan National University of Singapore collaborated to research nan domiciled of omega-3 fatty acids successful encephalon health. More specifically, these researchers investigated nan domiciled of omega-3s successful nan improvement of encephalon myelination.

Myelin acts arsenic an insulating membrane astir our nerves, which helps nervus cells nonstop signals to each different quickly and efficiently by conducting electrical signals. The nonaccomplishment of myelin is associated pinch disease1 since nerves tin nary longer usability properly. For example, a familial information that drastically reduces myelination leads to a commencement defect called microcephaly, which causes a baby's caput to beryllium overmuch smaller than it should be.

But familial disorders aren't nan only point affecting myelination; you besides suffer myelin arsenic you age.

The earthy nonaccomplishment of myelin pinch age

Vetrivel Sengottuvel, Ph.D., a lead study writer and elder investigation chap pinch Duke-NUS, explained successful a statement, "Loss of myelin sheaths occurs during nan normal aging process and successful neurological diseases, specified arsenic aggregate sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease." According to nan researchers, this isn't conscionable responsible for age-related diseases but besides nan wide nonaccomplishment of beingness and intelligence abilities successful aged people. Fortunately, this study presents a imaginable way to improving this age-related myelin decline.

It showed that omega-3 fatty acids play a domiciled successful encephalon processes that build up myelin and sphere what's already there. "This opens up imaginable avenues to create therapies and dietary supplements based connected [lysophosphatidylcholine] LPC omega-3 lipids that mightiness thief clasp myelin successful nan aging brain—and perchance to dainty patients pinch neurological disorders stemming from reduced myelination," explained Sengottuvel.

The results of nan study were published successful nan Journal of Clinical Investigation. Next, nan squad of researchers is conducting preclinical studies to find whether omega-3 supplements tin thief support aliases moreover amended encephalon myelination and cognitive usability passim nan aging process.

This advertisement is displayed utilizing 3rd statement contented and we do not power its accessibility features.

Benefits of omega-3 supplementation

We're a ways disconnected from confirming nan benefits of omega-3 supplementation for age-related myelin decline. But omega-3 supplements are still worthy exploring arsenic portion of your wellness routine, arsenic location are already a fistful of science-backed benefits of omega-3s. Here are 3 large ones to cognize about:

Heart health. Consuming omega-3s has been shown to decrease your consequence of cardiovascular disease, and this group of polyunsaturated fats is often suggested arsenic a preventive supplement for bosom health.

Inflammation. Omega-3s person known anti-inflammatory properties, and astatine higher doses, they tin thief trim nan inflammation that contributes to atherosclerosis and different inflammation-related diseases.

Mental health. Studies show that those taking omega-3 supplements are less apt to person worry and/or depression.

If that's not capable to person you of nan value of these fatty acids, thing will! But now connected to nan adjacent thing: How do we get them? The champion root of omega-3s is fish, including salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring. If you're not a instrumentality of fish, experts urge supplementing pinch astatine slightest 1 gram of eicosapentaenoic acerb (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acerb (DHA), which are 2 types of omega-3s. Try 1 of these 15 champion omega-3 supplements connected nan market.

This advertisement is displayed utilizing 3rd statement contented and we do not power its accessibility features.

The takeaway

A caller study suggesting that omega-3s whitethorn thief forestall age-related myelin diminution adds to nan increasing database of benefits of these patient fats. Make judge you're getting capable omega-3s done food and supplementation.

Source Lifestyle