Omega-3 fatty acids can help to improve cognition in young people a new study shows.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that omega-3s helped to improve memory and brain function in people between 18 and 25.

The study looked at group of young people within that age group, said French Tribune.

The participants were given a PET scan, a blood test and memory tests at the beginning of the study.

They were then re-tested, said Foodbeat, six months later after taking omega-3 supplements.

The new tests showed improved memory and cognitive function in everyone who took the extra boost of omega-3s.

More from GlobalPost: Omega 3 fatty acid supplements may not stave off heart troubles, says study

The researchers said that the study was novel in that it looked at younger people whose brains were high-functioning.

“So many of the previous studies have been done with the elderly or people with medical conditions,” Matthew Muldoon, study co-author, told PsychCentral.

“But what about our highest-functioning periods? Can we help the brain achieve its full potential by adapting our healthy behaviors in our young adult life? We found that we absolutely can.”

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish, certain grains and flax seeds.

It is believed that people don't consume enough of the oil and thus supplements may be necessary.

The study was published in the journal PloS ONE.



