DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important for brain function, and its status is dependent on dietary intakes. Therefore, individuals who consume diets low in omega-3 (n23) polyunsaturated fatty acids may cognitively benefit from DHA supplementation. Sex and apolipoprotein E genotype (APOE) affect cognition and may modulate the response to DHA supplementation. Objectives: We investigated whether a DHA supplement improves cognitive performance in healthy young adults and whether sex and APOE modulate the response. Design: Healthy adults (n = 176; age range: 18‐45 y; nonsmoking and with a low intake of DHA) completed a 6-mo randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind intervention in which they consumed 1.16 g DHA/d or a placebo. Cognitive performance was assessed by using a computerized cognitive test battery. For all tests, z scores were calculated and clustered into cognitive domains as follows: episodic and working memory, attention, reaction time (RT) of episodic and working memory, and attention and processing speed. ANCOVAwas conducted with sex and APOE as independent variables. Results: RTs of episodic and working memory improved with DHA