The largest ever experiment of fish oil supplements has discovered no proof that they provide benefits for cognitive function in elderly.

A research looked into the effects of consuming omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements over a period of two years on the cognitive function of partakers aged 70-80 years.

The number of individuals with cognitive disability is going up and it is approximated that by 2040 over 81 million people internationally will have dementia.

A few researches have hinted that high consumptions of omega-3 fatty acids are vital for the maintenance of good cognitive health in later life.

The research was a randomized control examination headed by Alan Dangour, senior lecturer at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and colleagues.

The research enrolled 867 partakers aged 70-80 years from general practice clinics in England and Wales.

Trial partakers who all had good cognitive physical condition at the beginning of the research were randomly assigned into two sections, one of which got fish oil capsules whereas the other group had a placebo for a period of 2 years.

Cognitive function was evaluated at the beginning and end of the research by experienced research nurses utilizing different paper and pencil examinations of memory and concentration.

After the completion of two years, those who consumed fish oil capsules experienced significantly higher degrees of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood as compared to those on a placebo.

But, cognitive function did not vary over the course of the research in either group and there was no proof that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids had a advantage for cognitive function in elderly.

Dangour urges caution in interpreting these results, "From the data we have collected there is no evidence of an important benefit for memory or concentration of increased omega-3 fatty acid consumption over a two year period among older people with good cognitive health."

The results of the study were published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (With Inputs from Agencies)