Table 4.
Evidence supporting a role of dietary n-3 PUFAs during aging in humans.
| Ref. | Authors | Year | Subjects | Supplementation | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [219] | Barberger-Gateau | 2009 | Three cities cohort participants (75.9 years old) | Mediterranean diet for 5 years | Higher Mediterranean diet adherence associated to better cognitive performance assessed |
| [220] | Tan et al. | 2012 | Dementia-free Framingham cohort participants (67 years old) | Dietary habits | Lower red blood cell DHA level associated to lower scores on tests of visual memory, executive function, and abstract thinking |
| [221] | Titova et al. | 2013 | PIVUS cohort participants (70 years old) | Dietary habits for 5 years | A 7-day dietary intake of EPA and DHA positively associated with increased global cognitive performance |
| [222] | Whalley et al. |
2004 | Aberdeen participants (64 years old) | Fish oil supplement | Fish-oil-supplement use and erythrocyte n-3 PUFA content associated with better cognitive aging |
| [223] | Morris et al. | 2003 | Chicago Health and Aging Project participants (73 years old) | Dietary habits | Total intake of n-3 PUFAs (and DHA) associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease |
| [224] | Barberger-Gateau et al. | 2007 | Three cities cohort participants (75.9 years old) | Mediterranean diet for 4 years | Weekly consumption of fish or regular use of n-3 PUFA rich oils associated to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease |
| [225] | Devore et al. | 2009 | Rotterdam study cohort participants (>55 years old) | Moderate fish consumption | Moderate fish consumption not associated to dementia risk |
| [226] | Kalmijn et al. | 2004 | Doetinchem cohort participants (45–70 years old) | Dietary habits | Marine n-3 PUFA (fatty fish consumption) inversely related to the risk of impaired overall cognitive function and speed |
| [227] | Gonzalez et al. |
2010 | Elderly population of Asturias (75 years old) | Dietary habits | EPA and DHA intake (fish intake) negatively associated with cognitive impairment |
| [229] | McNamara et al. | 2018 | Cincinnati participants (62–80 years old) | Supplementation with 1.6 g/d EPA + 0.8 g/d DHA for 24 weeks | Supplementation associated with reduced cognitive symptoms in everyday activities |
| [230] | Ferrucci et al. | 2006 | Chianti participants (20–98 years old) | Dietary habits | Plasma n-3 PUFAs associated with lower levels of pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1ra, TNF-α, CRP) and higher levels of anti-inflammatory markers (soluble IL-6r, IL-10, TGF-β) |
| [231] | Alfano et al. | 2012 | Health, Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle cohort participants (>29 years old) | Dietary habits | Higher intake of n-3 PUFAs associated with decreased inflammation (CRP level) and decreased aspects of fatigue |
| [232] | Farzaneh-Far et al. | 2009 | Heart and soul cohort participants (>64 years old) | Dietary habits | Inverse association between red blood cell n-3 PUFA levels and the inflammatory markers CRP and IL-6 |
CRP: C-reactive protein; DHA: docosahexaenoic acid; EPA: eicosapentaenoic acid; PIVUS: Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors; PUFA: polyunsaturated fatty acids.