Higher RBC EPA + DHA corresponds with larger total brain and hippocampal volumes: WHIMS-MRI study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To test whether red blood cell (RBC) levels of marine omega-3 fatty acids measured in the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study were related to MRI brain volumes measured 8 years later.

Methods

RBC eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and MRI brain volumes were assessed in 1,111 postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study. The endpoints were total brain volume and anatomical regions. Linear mixed models included multiple imputations of fatty acids and were adjusted for hormone therapy, time since randomization, demographics, intracranial volume, and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Results

In fully adjusted models, a 1 SD greater RBC EPA + DHA (omega-3 index) level was correlated with 2.1 cm(3) larger brain v

SUBMITTER: Pottala JV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3917688 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature