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Cited by 284Fatty Acid Research and HealthEdible Oils Quality and AnalysisAquaculture Nutrition and Growth

Cognitive and physiological effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in healthy subjects

Fontani, G., Corradeschi, F., Felici, A., Alfatti, F., Migliorini, S., Lodi, L.·2005·European Journal of Clinical Investigation
DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2005.01570.x
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that Omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in nervous system activity and that they improve cognitive development and reference memory-related learning, increase neuroplasticity of nerve membranes, contribute to synaptogenesis and are involved in synaptic transmission. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Omega-3 supplementation on some cognitive and physiological parameters in healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were tested at the beginning of the experiment and after 35 days. In this period they were supplemented with Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A group was supplemented with olive oil (placebo). Tests involving different types of attention were used, i.e. Alert, Go/No-Go, Choice and Sustained Attention. For each test, the reaction time, the event-related potentials by electroencephalogram (EEG) and the electromyography (EMG) of the forefinger flexor muscle were recorded. The Profile of Mood States test (POMS) was also administered. RESULTS: Blood analyses showed that after Omega-3 supplementation the arachidonic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid ratio (AA/EPA) was strongly reduced. The mood profile was improved after Omega-3 with increased vigour and reduced anger, anxiety and depression states. This was associated with an effect on reactivity with a reduction of reaction time in the Go/No-Go and Sustained Attention tests. The latency of EMG activation was concomitantly reduced in the same tests plus Choice. An EEG frequency shift towards the theta and alpha band were recorded in all the tests after Omega-3. CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 supplementation is associated with an improvement of attentional and physiological functions, particularly those involving complex cortical processing. These findings are discussed in terms of the influence of Omega-3 on the central nervous system.

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  • ω-3 fatty acids have benefits for central functioning ranging from enhanced memory, mood, attention, and cognitive performance to a reduced risk of developing depression and regulation of stress sensitivity.

    “The benefits of ω-3 (n-3) fatty acids for central functioning range from enhanced memory, mood, attention, and cognitive performance to a reduced risk of developing depression and regulation of stress sensitivity (131-138).”

    From Diet and the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: Sowing the Seeds of Good Mental Health (2021) · cites this paper as [132]

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Authors
Fontani, G., Corradeschi, F., Felici, A., Alfatti, F., Migliorini, S., & Lodi, L.
Affiliations
University of Siena (IT)
Corresponding author
Fontani, G.
ORCID
Lodi, L.
Venue
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2005-10-27
Volume
35
Issue
11
Pages
691-699
ISSN
  • 0014-2972 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2362
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2362.2005.01570.x
OpenAlex
W2138676964
Cited by
284
References
59
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 14 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 22 · 2013: 27 · 2012: 22
FWCI
9.44
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • European Journal of Clinical Investigation (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Fatty Acid Research and Health
  • Physical Sciences › Chemistry › Organic Chemistry › Edible Oils Quality and Analysis
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth
Keywords
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary supplementation, cognitive function, attention, reaction time, event-related potentials, electromyography, mood states, sustained attention, go/no-go task, healthy volunteers
MeSH terms
Action Potentials, Adult, Affect, Electroencephalography, Electromyography, Fatty Acids, Unsaturated, Female, Fingers, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Reaction Time, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Arachidonic Acid, Muscle, Skeletal, Dietary Supplements

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