Omega-3, Carotenoids and the Brain

     

     Scientific studies suggest that carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to brain development and brain health. There also appears to be an additive effect when the two are both supplied in adequate quantity. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids found in green leafy foods which have been shown to have an affinity for neural tissue including the eye. These carotenoids accumulate in the back of the eye protecting against macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the United States. These carotenoids are so important for eye tissue that they are found at a concentration 500 times greater than in any other tissue in the human body.

     These same carotenoids also have an affinity for brain tissue. The brain has a high requirement for antioxidants because of a high metabolic rate, the presence of many unsaturated fats, and the utilization of about 25% of the body's oxygen utilization. Carotenoids appear to concentate in the brains of infants, contributing to the rapid development of the brain in children. Infant formulas do not contain carotenoids while mother's milk does. These antioxidants are so important for brain development that researchers are now beginning to recommend the addition of carotenoids to infant formula.

     In a 4 month double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial older women showed significant increases in verbal fluency and learning ability when supplemented with both carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. These two nutrients should be considered where cognitive decline is evident.

     NeoLife Salmon Oil Plus is tested for over 200 pollutants with a standard of ZERO. It is also standardized for all 8 members of the omega-3 family. Salmon Oil Plus was shown in a clinical trial to reduce the inflammatory index by 68%. It is by far the best fish oil product available. NeoLife Carotenoid Complex is also superior. Testing by USDA researchers showed that the product reduced oxidative damage by 44%.

     Researchers believe that omega-3 fats and carotenoids benefit brain function significantly because these nutrients reduce inflammation and free radical damage. They also play an important structural in neurons assuring proper function of the synapses where memory and cognition are regulated.

References:

http://static.abbottnutrition.com/cms-prod/anhi.org/img/Johnson.pdf

Johnson EJ, McDonald K, Caldarella SM, Chung H-Y, Snodderly DM. Cognitive findings of an exploratory trial of docosahexaenoic acid and lutein supplementation in older women. Nutri Neurosci. 2008 Apr;11:75-83. doi: 10.1179/147683008X301450.