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