Fish Oil Prevents Brain Damage in Alcoholics: Study

Fish oil prevents brain damage and risk of memory loss in alcoholics, finds a study.

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, seafood and nuts like almonds and walnuts boost brain health and avert volume decline. Brain atrophy and poor functioning are typical during old age and can cause memory loss, impairment in thinking and cognitive skills, confusion and depression. Recently, an expert team from renowned institutes in the U.S. and the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) conducted a study using a rodent model to test the efficacy of fish oil on brain health. The rats were given alcohol in amounts that was four times above the maximum limit for driving under influence.  Along with high exposure to alcohol, the rats' brain also received omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a compound in fish oil.

After the trial, the rats had 90 percent lesser neuro-inflammation and neuronal death in brain cells that were exposed to both alcohol and DHA.

A past clinical research by the same group of experts found after reviewing 75 studies that occasional consumption of alcohol in moderate amounts stalls the risk of age-induced dementia and cognitive decline. But, the current study postulates moderate exposure to alcohol although stresses brain cells,  it can eventually cause cell death and inflammation leading to dementia and brain damage. The findings confirm the benefits of fish oil in preserving brain function and health in old age.

However, the authors believe this study must not encourage people to overindulge in drinking assuming they can escape brain damage by taking fish oil supplements.

"Fish oil has the potential of helping preserve brain integrity in chronic alcohol abusers. At the very least, it is unlikely that it would hurt them. We don't want people to think it is okay to take a few fish oil capsules and then continue to go on abusing alcohol," said Michael A. Collins, study author and researcher at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, in a news release.

More information is available online in the journal PLoS ONE.

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