Certain nutrients and ‘omega’ n-3 (omega) long chain fatty acids found in fish oils may offer a benefit to cognitive function in older age, according to a review by Dr Carrie Ruxton, independent public health nutritionist on behalf of Equazen, the brains behind Equazen eye q mind 50+.
Commenting on the research, Dr Ruxton notes: “My review shows that nutrition has an important preventive part to play in cognitive decline among older people. In particular long chain n-3 fatty acids, certain antioxidants, B vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins contribute to preserving brain function in this growing population group.
“Given that the brain is rich in lipids, it is not surprising that long chain n-3 PUFAs such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) found in fish oils, might have an impact on cognitive retention. Studies have variously shown that fish oils lead to better performance in working and verbal memory indicating the potential to delay the onset of cognitive decline and that supplementation with DHA could improve learning and memory function.
“Turning to B vitamins, my review shows some inconsistencies in the scientific data although a large trial in 266 older people aged 70 years or over with mild cognitive impairment found that a supplement containing 800 μg folic acid, 500 μg vitamin B12 and 20 mg vitamin B6 over two years appeared to slow cognitive and clinical decline, especially those with elevated homocysteine levels (a type of amino acid that may be harmful at high levels).
“With regards to zinc, a trial in 387 healthy adults aged 55 to 87 years receiving either 15 or 30 mg per day zinc, for up to six months showed some improvements in spatial working memory after three months.
“Fat-soluble vitamins D, E and K could also have a role in preventing cognitive decline. Epidemiological studies have shown links between higher levels of these vitamins and reduced cognitive impairment. A placebo-controlled clinical trial involving vitamin E and a drug used to manage Alzheimer’s disease found that the group taking vitamin E experienced slower functional decline and needed less caregiver time compared with the placebo group.
“The latest findings from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey reveal poor dietary habits among our elderly population with only 41% meeting the 5-a-day recommendation for fruit and vegetables and mean oily fish consumption, at 90g weekly, falling below the government’s recommended intake of 140g weekly.
“Given these poor dietary intakes, the increasing incidence of compromised cognitive function in older people as well as the importance of long chain n-3 PUFAs, certain antioxidants and B vitamins in cognitive health in this population group, a supplement, such as Equazen eye q mind 50+, containing these key ingredients would be a good start to help maintain cognitive function in older age”.
Family GP, Dr Paul Stillman notes further Equazen eye q mind 50+ is a formulation specifically researched and developed for adults that includes a combination of the highest quality nutrient blends of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc and magnesium. The Equazen eye q mind 50+ also includes a blend of B vitamins, zinc and magnesium. It also provides nutrients to support normal cognitive function and normal functioning of the nervous system while zinc within the supplement contributes to maintain normal cognitive function. Magnesium and vitamin B6 within the Equazen eye q mind 50+ also help contribute to normal functioning of the nervous system too. As a result, Equazen eye q mind 50+ provides a good insurance policy for those of us ageing and helps bridge some of the nutrient gaps that many of us are missing within our daily diets. Equazen eye q mind 50+ is also great news for those people who find it hard to eat oily fish because of the bones or chew and digest nutrient rich foods.
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