Fish oil supplements offer no protection against memory loss or dementia in the short term, according to scientists.
They found older people taking omega-3 fish oil capsules performed no better in mental tests than those who took dummy pills.
Several studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids – particularly those found in oily fish – are essential for keeping nerve cells in the brain healthy. Others have found those who eat oily fish regularly have a lower chance of developing memory loss or full-blown Alzheimer’s.
However, researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine found no evidence of benefit.
They looked at results from 3,500 people over 60, who took part in three trials, which lasted between six months and three-and-a-half years.
Alan Dangour, a nutritionist at the school, and co-author of the report, said: “From these studies, there doesn’t appear to be any benefit for cognitive health for older people of taking omega-3 supplements.
