Association Between Omega-3 Supplement Use and Cognitive Function in Korean Older Adults: An 8-Year Longitudinal Cohort Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: South Korea has a relatively high baseline omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) status due to dietary patterns. However, evidence on additional benefits of O3FA supplementation remains limited. This study examined the 8-year longitudinal effects of O3FA supplement use on cognitive performance among community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data were from the Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia (KLOSCAD). A total of 4,949 adults aged ≥60 years (mean age = 69.55 ± 6.56; 44.2% men) were included, and 2,053 completed the 8-year follow-up (2010-2012 to 2018-2020). MEASUREMENTS: O3FA supplement use was assessed through structured questionnaires on regular intake of omega-3 or fish oil supplements. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Korean version of Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (CERAD-K[N]), and total and memory domain scores were analyzed. Longitudinal changes were examined using repeated measures analysis of covariance and linear mixed-effects models (LMMs; unweighted and weighted), adjusting for potential covariates. RESULTS: Over the 8 years, CERAD-K[N] (t = -2.686, p = .007) and memory domain (t = -4.026, p < .001) scores significantly improved among O3FA users. In the weighted LMM, significant time × supplement duration interactions were observed (CERAD-K[N]: β = 2.398, 95% CI 1.207-3.589, p < .001; memory: β = 1.050, 95% CI 0.643-1.456, p < .001), indicating greater improvement in long-term users. CONCLUSION: O3FA supplement use was associated with better maintenance of cognitive function over eight years. These findings suggest a potential role of O3FA supplementation in supporting cognitive health during aging.
Authors: Won Man Lee, So Im Ryu, So Im Ryu, Myoung-Nam Lim, Ji Won Han, Jong Bin Bae, Tae Hui Kim, Kyung Phil Kwak, Bong Jo Kim, Shin Gyeom Kim, Jeong Lan Kim, Seok Woo Moon, Joon Hyuk Park, Seung-Ho Ryu, Seung-Ho Ryu, Dong Woo Lee, Seok Bum Lee, Jung Jae Lee, Dong Young Lee, Ki Woong Kim, Jin Hyeong Jhoo
Institutions: Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University, Konkuk University, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Yonsei University, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital, Gyeongsang National University, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Chungnam National University, Konkuk University Chungju Hospital, Jeju National University Hospital, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Dankook University Hospital, Seoul National University, Seoul National University Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,450
Awards: G4553212964, G6558065648, G8574623481
OpenAlex ID: W4416733237