The influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognitive function in individuals without dementia: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #fatty-acids-omega-3 #cognition #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #aged

The influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognitive function in individuals without dementia: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Suh et al., 2024 | BMC Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Suh Seung Wan, Lim Eunji, ... Kim Ki Woong. The influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognitive function in individuals without dementia: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. BMC Med. 2024-Mar-12;22(1):109. doi:10.1186/s12916-024-03296-0

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have been suggested as a cognitive enhancing agent, though their effect is doubtful. We aimed to examine the effect of n-3 PUFA on the cognitive function of middle-aged or older adults without dementia. METHODS: We reviewed randomized controlled trials of individuals aged 40 years or older. We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases. We used the restricted cubic splines model for non-linear dose-response meta-analysis in terms of the standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The current meta-analysis on 24 studies (n 9660; follow-up 3 to 36 months) found that the beneficial effect on executive function demonstrates an upward trend within the initial 12 months of intervention. This effect is prominently observed with a daily intake surpassing 500 mg of n-3 PUFA and up to 420 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Furthermore, these trends exhibit heightened significance in regions where the levels of blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + EPA are not very low. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of n-3 PUFA may confer potential benefits to executive function among the middle-aged and elderly demographic, particularly in individuals whose dietary DHA + EPA level is not substantially diminished.

Key Findings

The current meta-analysis on 24 studies (n 9660; follow-up 3 to 36 months) found that the beneficial effect on executive function demonstrates an upward trend within the initial 12 months of intervention. This effect is prominently observed with a daily intake surpassing 500 mg of n-3 PUFA and up to 420 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Furthermore, these trends exhibit heightened significance in regions where the levels of blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + EPA are not very low.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 24
Age Range See abstract
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Cognition
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Aged
  • Middle Aged
  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Dementia

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09