Published in

SAGE Publications, Journal of Psychopharmacology, 7(29), p. 753-763, 2015

DOI: 10.1177/0269881115587958

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Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation and cognition: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.

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Abstract

Background: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ( n-3 PUFAs) are promoted as cognitive enhancers with consumption recommended in the general population and those with neurocognitive deficits such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, evidence from randomised placebo-controlled trials is inconclusive. Aims: This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on cognition in healthy populations and those with ADHD and related disorders (RDs). Methods: Databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults and school-aged children (who were healthy and typically developing (TD) or had ADHD or a related-neurodevelopmental disorder (ADHD+RD) which assessed the effects of n-3 PUFA on cognition. Results: In the 24 included studies n-3 PUFA supplementation, in the whole sample and the TD and ADHD+RD subgroup, did not show improvements in any of the cognitive performance measures. In those with low n-3 PUFA status, supplementation improved short-term memory. Conclusions: There is marginal evidence that n-3 PUFA supplementation effects cognition in those who are n-3 PUFA deficient. However, there is no evidence of an effect in the general population or those with neurodevelopmental disorders. This has important implications given the widespread advertisement and consumption of n-3 PUFA; claims of cognitive benefit should be narrowed.