Fish Oil’s Surprising Impact on Brain and Body

Clear Facts

• Fish oil supplements may help reduce the risk of dementia in individuals with the APOE4 gene.
• Fish oil has shown potential in reducing insulin resistance in an animal model of type 2 diabetes.
• Further research is necessary to determine the ideal dosage and type of omega-3 fatty acids for human treatments.

Many people rely on nutritional supplements to fulfill their daily vitamin and mineral requirements, while others hope these supplements can help stave off serious health conditions. Recent studies have shed light on the potential benefits of fish oil supplements in safeguarding against two significant health risks: dementia and type 2 diabetes.

A clinical study published in JAMA Network Open examined the effects of fish oil on brain health. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) focused on 102 participants aged 75 and older who had low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These participants underwent MRI scans to identify white matter lesions in the brain, which can impair blood flow and increase the risk of dementia.

The study divided participants into two groups: one received daily fish oil supplements, while the other took a placebo. After three years, follow-up MRIs showed no significant difference in lesion growth between the two groups for most participants. Lynne Shinto, a professor of neurology at OHSU, noted,
“Our findings showed that over three years, there was not a statistically significant difference between placebo and the group that took fish oil.”

However, the study did reveal a notable exception. Participants with the APOE4 gene, a marker for increased dementia risk, experienced a significant reduction in white matter lesions when taking fish oil supplements. Gene Bowman, director of clinical trials at the McCance Center for Brain Health, remarked,
“The fact that neuronal integrity breakdown was slowed in people randomized to omega-3 treatment who are also at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease is remarkable and warrants a larger clinical trial in more diverse populations in the future.”

In another study, researchers explored the impact of fish oil on insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes. Using rats with elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance, the study administered fish oil based on body weight thrice weekly for two months. The results showed reduced insulin resistance, lower levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and decreased inflammatory markers in the blood.

Rui Curi, PhD, the study’s coordinator, explained,
“Our experiments involved Goto-Kakizaki [GK] rats, an animal model for non-obese type 2 diabetes. We found that insulin resistance can be reduced in these animals by modulating the inflammatory response so as to change the profile of defense cells [lymphocytes] from a pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory state.”

While these findings are promising, further research is needed before translating them into human treatments. Curi emphasized,
“Trials in humans are needed to estimate the ideal dose and the most indicated type of omega-3 fatty acid.”

These studies highlight the potential of fish oil supplements in addressing dementia and type 2 diabetes. Although more research is required, the findings suggest a promising avenue for future exploration in human trials.

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