The February issue of “Neurosurgery” has a report about how taking DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) might help protect against traumatic brain injury (TBI). Yes, that’s PROTECT – as in – TAKING DHA BEFORE THE INJURY EVEN OCCURS.
In the study, rats wre given DHA. After one month, the researchers induced TBI (I know, that part doesn’t sound nice). The rats taking the highest doses of DHA had a less TBI. (They had less expression of beta amyloid protein, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s.)
The rats that were given the most DHA had the least amount of brain cell death and performed better on spatial memory tests.
You can get DHA in supplement form, as well as by eating certain types of fish.
If further studies add to this conclusion, they may start giving DHA supplements to soldiers, athletes and people at risk of stroke.
DHA is a good thing to take for other reasons anyway, so why not add it to your list of vitamins and minerals?
Here’s the summary:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/213158.php
