Increasing Omega-3 Index to 6% May Provide Cognitive Benefits for Children

The Omega-3 Index (O3I) is a measure of the amount of EPA and DHA in the blood, specifically the red blood cell membranes. An Omega-3 Index of 8% or higher is considered ideal. A new study suggests that increasing the O3I in children to 6% may provide cognitive benefits.

The researchers used 33 studies for their analysis. The studies looked at the association between supplementation with EPA and DHA and cognitive performance in participants with an average age of 14.5. The supplementation dosage varied from 16.5 mg to 3,600 mg of DHA daily and 0 mg to 1,740 mg of EPA daily.

The researchers found that significant cognitive effects were achieved when the O3I of participants was increased to at least 6%. They also found that supplementation of 450 mg or more of EPA and DHA resulted in positive effects on cognition.

The study was conducted by researchers from Maastricht University. It was published online ahead of print on October 12, 2020 in the journal Nutrients.