#4 Far-reaching DHA benefits
There were a couple of important omega-3 studies published in 2013, including one by New Zealand-based scientists that showed that supplements of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may improve memory and reaction times for healthy young people
Young women had greater improvements in episodic memory, while men experienced greater improvements in reaction times of working memory following six months of supplementation with 1.16 grams of DHA per day, according to findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
“These memory-related cognitive domains are the building blocks of more-complex cognitive functions or behaviors that are common in everyday life. Thus, young healthy adults may cognitively benefit from an increased consumption of DHA,” wrote the researchers, led by Welma Stonehouse from Massey University in New Zealand.
Harry Rice, PhD, VP of regulatory & scientific affairs for the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), said: “Given that low intake of omega-3s is a global concern, the present findings could translate into far-reaching benefits.
“For years, many people have scoffed at the potential cognitive benefits of DHA in this age group (younger healthy adults). Now that we have the piece of the puzzle for which we've been looking, it's time to spread the word.”
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