The Occupational Health Blog

Keeping your Brain Sharp: Vitamins and Omega-3s, please!

• NMS
• Dec 30, 2011

Brain food may not be a myth.

According to a new study, conducted by Layton Aging & Alzheimer's Disease Center, Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, a diet rich in Vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids showed evidence of reduced brain shrinkage related to Alzheimer's disease.

The study tracked the diet of people at an average age of 87 years old, an age that people are considered to be a higher risk for contracting Alzheimer's. The study found that people who consumed B vitamins, antioxidant vitamins C & E, vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, had, to put it simply, a more voluminous brain. Those who consumed more trans fats throughout their lifetime had a brain that was smaller and more relatable to an Alzheimer's-sized brain. 

The study points out that diet is not a cause and effect but is an association between the two. According to the study, age is a much higher risk factor for causing Alzheimer's. However, diet does seem to play a role. The study estimated that diet alone is a 17% risk factor for obtaining the diease.

The full article from WebMD can be found here: Diet Patterns Linked With Brain Health