Arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). Carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin (LZ), are mainly found in green vegetables.
ARA and DHA are abundant in the brain and are major components of phospholipids. Studies have shown that supplementing with high doses of DHA and EPA can improve memory function in older adults.
In addition, LZ, an antioxidant component of the brain, has been reported to have a protective effect on nerve cells, thereby affecting cognitive function. However, the effectiveness of lutein and zeaxanthin on memory function is unclear due to conflicting results from previous intervention studies.
Based on the fact that ARA, DHA, EPA, L and Z (LCPUFA + LZ) are present in the brain, as well as some reports of improved memory function, the authors of the current study suggested that the combination of these substances may improve memory. function in the brain. healthy older people.
Japanese researchers conducted a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of the effects of LCPUFA + LH on memory function in healthy Japanese elderly people with memory problems but without dementia.
They found no significant differences between the groups. However, in a combined analysis of a group of participants with cognitive decline, significant improvements were observed.
The report concludes: “This study shows for the first time that the combination of LCPUFA and LZ can improve memory function in healthy Japanese older adults with cognitive decline but without dementia.” ‘text ad1′); });
A total of 120 participants from Tokyo and the surrounding area were randomized into three groups: (1) placebo group receiving placebo as a dietary supplement; (2) placebo group receiving placebo as a dietary supplement; (2)). LCPUFA+X group who received a dietary supplement consisting of LCPUFA (containing 120 mg ARA, 300 mg DHA and 100 mg EPA per day) with Compound X (not shown as this compound was not the subject of this study) ) (3) LCPUFA+LH group receiving a dietary supplement consisting of LCPUFA (120mg ARA, 300mg DHA and 100mg EPA per day) in combination with LH (10mg lutein and 2mg zeaxanthin per day).
The experimental food and supplies for this study were provided by Suntory Health Co., Ltd., which sells health foods containing LCPUFA.
The revised Wechsler Logical Memory Scale II (WMS-R LM II) and the Montreal Cognitive Test in Japanese (MoCA-J) were used for screening.
Age, gender, and education were recorded as characteristics of the participants. Blood samples were collected at baseline, weeks 12 and 24 for fatty acid and LZ analysis.
Neuropsychological testing was performed and dietary fatty acid intake was measured at baseline, at 12 and 24 weeks. Each participant completed a diary, recording additional intake and checking for major lifestyle changes.
The findings showed that LCPUFA + LZ had no significant effect on memory function in healthy elderly Japanese people with memory problems, but the supplement did improve memory function in participants with cognitive decline.
The authors say that future intervention studies based on detailed knowledge of participants’ baseline cognitive performance will help make appropriate judgments about the effect of the intervention on memory function.
“Effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in combination with lutein and zeaxanthin on episodic memory in healthy elderly people”
Sueyasu, T., Yasumoto, K., Tokuda, H., Kaneda, Y.;
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