Post-Prandial Cognitive and Blood Pressure Effects of a DHA-Rich Omega-3 Powder in Middle-Aged Males: A Pilot Study

The use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (?-3 PUFA) supplements is increasingly common among middle-aged and older adults. Users of ?-3 PUFA supplements often report using such supplements to support cognitive health, despite mixed findings reported within the ?-3 PUFA literature. To date, very few studies have explored cognitive effects in distinctly middle-aged (40 to 60 years) adults, and none have examined the acute effects (in the hours following a single dose) on cognitive performance. The current study evaluated whether a single dose of ?-3 PUFA (4020 mg docosahexaenoic acid and 720 mg eicosapentaenoic acid) influences cognitive performance and cardiovascular function in middle-aged males. Cognitive performance and cardiovascular function were assessed before and 3.5-4 h after consumption of a high dose of ?-3 PUFA (DHA + EPA) or placebo, incorporated into a standardized meal (i.e., single serve of Greek yogurt). In this study of middle-aged males, no significant differential treatment effects were observed for cognitive performance. However, a significant reduction in aortic systolic blood pressure (pre-dose to post-dose) was apparent following consumption of the ?-3 PUFA (DHA + EPA) treatment (mean difference = -4.11 mmHg, p = 0.004) but not placebo (mean difference = -1.39 mmHg, p = 0.122). Future replication in a sample comprising females, as well as patients with hypertension, is merited.

Automated summary

The use of ?-3 PUFA supplements to support cognitive health is common among middle-aged and older adults. However, few studies have explored the cognitive effects of ?-3 PUFA in middle-aged adults, particularly the acute effects. This study found no significant difference in cognitive performance but observed a reduction in aortic systolic blood pressure following ?-3 PUFA consumption. Future replication should include females and patients with hypertension.