Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is a major structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina. The use of DHA to support memory and brain function has a strong biological rationale, as DHA is critical for neuronal membrane fluidity and function. Several observational studies indicate that higher dietary intake or blood levels of DHA are associated with better cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show that DHA supplementation may benefit memory and cognitive performance, particularly in populations with mild cognitive impairment or low dietary intake of omega-3s, but the effects in healthy adults are modest and not always consistent. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that DHA supplementation has small, but potentially significant, effects on memory and cognitive function in certain groups, though not universally. As such, the scientific evidence for DHA's effect on brain health and memory is moderate (rating: 3 out of 5), with stronger support in populations at risk for cognitive decline. Major health authorities acknowledge DHA’s role in brain development (especially in infants and children), but recommend further research to clarify its benefits for memory and cognition in adults.

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