Effect of fish oil food supplement consumption on omega 3 index and selected cognitive functions in actively sport pupils in the second stage of primary schools
Abstract
Omega3 long-chain fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from fish oil have a major impact not only on the risk of cardiovascular diseases but also on cognitive functions. We tested the effect of EPA and DHA contained in fish oil on cognitive functions (memorization, coordination, and concentration) in intensely sporting boys (N = 169, age 10-15 years).
The group under intervention consumed 2 teaspoons of oil daily for 6 months. All boys regularly summarize the dietary intake questionnaire and underwent anthropometric analyzes to rule out major changes in eating and exercise habits.
A total of 121 boys completed the study (82 in the intervention group and 39 in the control group). The change in the EPA and DHA in the diet was measured by determining the omega3 index from capillary blood.
Changes in the omega3 index statistically significant relationship with the results of the psychological Bourdon test. The test results confirmed the correlation between the value of the omega3 index and the level of cognitive functions of soccer players (improvement by 63% in the intervention vs. by 43% in the control group P = 0.0001; P = 0.007 after age adjustment).