A High Omega-3 Fatty Acid Multinutrient Supplement Benefits Cognition and Mobility in Older Women: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study.
BACKGROUND
Mobility is a key determinant of frailty in older persons, and a variety of dietary factors, such as the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are positively associated with decreased frailty and improved mobility and cognition in older persons.


METHODS
The effects of a multinutrient supplement on mobility and cognition were assessed in postmenopausal women (60-84 years). Participants received either Efalex Active 50+ (1g DHA, 160 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 240 mg Ginkgo biloba, 60 mg phosphatidylserine, 20mg d-α tocopherol, 1mg folic acid, and 20 µg vitamin B12 per day; N = 15) or placebo (N = 12) for 6 months. Mobility was assessed by VICON 9 motion capture camera system synchronized with Kistler force plates, cognitive performance by computerized cognitive function tests, and blood fatty acid levels by pin-prick analysis.


RESULTS
Significant effects of treatment were seen in two of the four cognitive tests, with shorter mean latencies in a motor screening task (p < .05) and more words remembered (p < .03), and one of the three primary mobility measures with improved habitual walking speed (p < .05). Compared with the placebo group, supplementation also resulted in significantly higher blood DHA levels (p < .02).


CONCLUSIONS
In this pilot study, multinutrient supplementation improved cognition and mobility in able older females at clinically relevant levels, suggesting a potential role in reducing the decline to frailty.
Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London.
Siobhán C
SC
Strike
Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London.
Alison
A
Carlisle
Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London.
E Leigh
EL
Gibson
Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London. Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University. sdyall@bournemouth.ac.uk.
Simon C
SC
Dyall
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016330:Frail Elderly; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; D010938:Plant Oils; C532150:efalex
Aging; B vitamins; Docosahexaenoic acid; Gait; Memory