---
title: Recent Clinical Trial Explores the Potential Impact of Fish Oil on Neurological Health and Aging
description: A year-long trial found fish oil's EPA and DHA improved antioxidant markers like catalase activity in adults with cognitive decline.
---

[Evidence-based Wellness Education](https://www.casi.org/articles)

# [Recent Clinical Trial Explores the Potential Impact of Fish Oil on Neurological Health and Aging](https://www.casi.org/articles/potential-impact-of-fish-oil-on-neurological-health-and-aging)

 Written by [Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT](https://www.casi.org/articles/author/cory-ambrose-nd-mat) | Jan 31, 2023, 5:00:00 AM

Evidence suggests that [oxidative stress](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35831850/) may also play a role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Increases in the production of reactive oxygen species have been shown to influence [mitochondrial activity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35831850/), neurotransmission, and cellular metabolism. [Altered cellular metabolism](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35831850/) has been linked to increases in the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins. Recent [epidemiologic studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35831850/) have associated lower rates of certain neurodegenerative diseases with a higher dietary intake of nutrients that support antioxidative status. A [recent study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35831850/) explored the potential impact of fish oil on age-related changes linked to certain neurodegenerative diseases. 

Fish oil contains [polyunsaturated fatty acids](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34925695/) (PUFAs), which are fatty acids with two or more carbon-carbon double bonds. Their [nomenclature](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34925695/) is based on the position of where the first double bond is located. Omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) have been shown to support a healthy response to inflammation and oxidative stress. Alternatively, omega-6 (n-6) [PUFAs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34925695/) participate in pro-inflammatory processes in the body. Typical [Western diets](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34925695/) contain a higher amount of n-6 than n-3 PUFAs. The brain has been shown to be particularly affected by oxidative stress due to its relatively high consumption of oxygen and abundance of PUFAs. 

[Torres-Mendoza and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35831850/) recently published a clinical trial involving the administration of fish oil on markers related to oxidative stress and the progression of certain neurodegenerative diseases. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 20 individuals with a history of cognitive decline who did not currently consume supplements to support antioxidative status. 

The treatment group received 450 mg of EPA and 1 g of DHA daily for 1 year. Improvements in certain biomarkers related to antioxidative status were observed at months 6 and 12, including significant improvements in [catalase activity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35831850/) in the treatment group as compared with a placebo. Study strengths include a relatively long clinical study period and a placebo control. However, more research, particularly with larger sample sizes and more comprehensive assessments of biomarkers related to age-related cognitive changes is needed before clinical conclusions can be made.

Fish oil has been shown to support antioxidative status, a healthy inflammatory response, and brain health. Recent research indicates it may also help cognitive functioning and age-related changes. 

[View full post](https://www.casi.org/articles/potential-impact-of-fish-oil-on-neurological-health-and-aging)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-09-17T14:08:28.992Z",
  "datePublished" : "2023-01-31T05:00:00Z",
  "headline" : "Recent Clinical Trial Explores the Potential Impact of Fish Oil on Neurological Health and Aging",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 1440,
    "url" : "https://51358820.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/51358820/casi/featured/adobestock_49904765.jpeg",
    "width" : 1440
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.casi.org/articles/potential-impact-of-fish-oil-on-neurological-health-and-aging",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60.0,
      "url" : "https://51358820.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/51358820/casilogoresize2-2.png",
      "width" : 147.05882
    },
    "name" : "CASI.org"
  }
}
```