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Thirteen-year prospective study between fish consumption, long-chain N-3 fatty acids intakes and cognitive function

  • JNHA: Clinical Neurosciences
  • Published:
The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

Objectives

Because of their structural, anti-inflammatory and antithrombic properties, longchain n-3 fatty acids may be key factors in the aging process. We sought to elucidate the association between intake of long-chain n-3 fatty acids and/or fish and cognitive function evaluated 13 years after dietary assessment.

Design

Prospective population-based study.

Participants/Setting

3,294 adults from the SU.VI.MAX study (Supplementat ion with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals study).

Measurements/Statistical analysis

Subjects underwent a standardized clinical examination which included cognitive tests and self-reported cognitive difficulties scale (2007–2009). Poor scores were defined using percentiles as cut-off. Dietary data were assessed through repeated 24-h dietary records. Odd ratio (OR), comparing the fourth (Q4) to the first quartile (Q1), of having a poor score were calculated using adjusted logistic regression.

Results

Self-reported cognitive difficulties were less frequent among subjects with higher intakes of total n-3 long chain fatty acids (OR = 0.72, CI 95%=0.56–0.92) and eicosapentaenoic acid (OR Q4 versus Q1 = 0.74, CI 95%=0.58–0.95), even after adjustment for depressive symptoms. A borderline significant association was also found with high fish consumption (OR Q4 versus Q1 = 0.80, CI 95%=0.63−1.01).

Conclusion

Cognitive complaints, which may be an early indicator of cognitive decline, are less frequent among the elderly who have a high long-chain n-3 acids intake, as assessed 13 years earlier.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. INSERM U557; INRA U1125; CNAM; Paris 13. Human Nutrition Research Center of Ile de France, UFR SMBH Paris 13, SMBH, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, F-93017, Bobigny cedex, France

    E. Kesse-Guyot, M. Ferry, S. Hercberg & P. Galan

  2. Centre de Gérontologie Clinique Antonin Balmes, CHU Montpellier, Université I, Montpellier, France

    S. Péneau & C. Jeandel

  3. Département de Santé Publique, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, F-93017, France

    S. Hercberg

  4. INSERM U557; INRA U1125; CNAM; PARIS 13. Human Nutrition Research Center of Ile de France, UFR SMBH Paris 13, SMBH, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, F-93017, Bobigny cedex, France

    E. Kesse-Guyot

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  1. E. Kesse-Guyot
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  2. S. Péneau
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  3. M. Ferry
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  4. C. Jeandel
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Consortia

The SU.VI.Max 2 Research Group

Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. Kesse-Guyot.

Additional information

A full list of the SU.VI.MAX 2 Research Group Members is available in appendix 1

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Kesse-Guyot, E., Péneau, S., Ferry, M. et al. Thirteen-year prospective study between fish consumption, long-chain N-3 fatty acids intakes and cognitive function. J Nutr Health Aging 15, 115–120 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-011-0023-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-011-0023-7

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