What Are the Benefits of Fish Oil With DHA & EPA on the Brain?

If someone calls you a fathead, simply take it as a statement of truth. Fatty material comprises 60% of the brain, so it's no wonder essential fatty acids play a vital role in preserving memory, mood and cognitive function.

Rich Nutrients from Fish

• The oil from fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna provide the richest source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs). Omega-3 EFAs break down further into two specific EFAs that have important benefits for brain health: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Memory and Cognitive Function

• DHA represents the most predominant EFA in brain tissue. In the best-selling reference work, "Healthy Healing," traditional naturopath Linda Page relates that both EPA and DHA help protect against Alzheimer's disease and promote clearer thinking.

Brighter, Calmer Moods

• The same reference book discusses a link between low levels of DHA and EPA with depression and hostility. Additionally, a 2007 study published in "Nutrition Journal" relates that children diagnosed with ADHD who took high doses of EPA and DHA showed significant improvement in behavior over the course of 8 weeks.

Best Source of DHA and EPA

• According to researcher Irina Fedorova, Ph.D., the liver can potentially convert alpha linolenic acid, an Omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed, walnuts and other plant foods, to DHA and EPA. However, the conversion is so minimal, that she strongly advises including preformed DHA from fish oil or algae in the daily diet.

Prenatal Benefits

• A study conducted in Perth, Australia concluded that not only are pregnant women safe in using fish oil, experts recommend it for developing the baby's eye and hand coordination. A similar study demonstrated a link between DHA and cognitive development in infancy.