There have been many studies advocating how omega-3 fatty acids can benefit our health. But a new study suggests that high levels of omega-3 are of no benefit to cognitive decline in older women.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are types of fats commonly found in plant and marine life.

Of particular interest to nutritionists and health care professionals are two types of omega-3 acids – DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) – due to their rumored health benefits.

The acids are thought to play an important role in reducing inflammation throughout the body.

And studies have shown numerous other health benefits, including the potential to prevent or delay cognitive decline. But researchers from the University of Iowa suggest otherwise.

Their study, published in the journal Neurology, involved 2,157 women aged between 65 and 80, who were enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative clinical trials of hormone therapy.

The research team took blood tests from all women before the beginning of the study, in order to measure the amount of omega-3 present in their blood.

Share on Pinterest The study showed that women who ate omega-3s did not perform better on memory tests, compared with women who had low levels of the fatty acids in their blood.

The women were required to complete thinking and memory skills tests annually over an average of 6 years.

The study revealed that there was no difference in results between women who had high levels of omega-3 in their blood at the time the first memory tests were completed and women who had low levels of omega-3 in their blood.

Additionally, the results showed that there was no difference in how fast thinking skills declined over time between women who had high or low levels of omega-3 in their blood.