Science Daily: Fish Oil May Hinder Brain Recovery Following Injuries

Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina, led by neuroscientist Önder Albayram, have discovered that fish oil supplements—traditionally considered beneficial for health—may actually impede brain recovery after repeated mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), as reported by Science Daily.

One of the key components of Omega-3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), was found to reduce the brain's regenerative capacity under certain conditions. The scientists observed that the accumulation of this acid in tissues is linked to poor healing of blood vessels following damage.

"Fish oil supplements are sold everywhere, and people take them for various reasons, often without a clear understanding of their long-term consequences. But from a neuroscientific perspective, we still don't know if the brain possesses resilience or resistance to this supplement. That is why our study is a first in this field," stated Albayram.

Through experiments on mice, specialists established that long-term fish oil consumption leads to a decline in cognitive abilities and memory following head impacts. Biologists recorded an accumulation of tau protein in the cerebral cortex—a hallmark of neurodegenerative processes. Similar results were obtained when studying human endothelial cells: EPA slowed the restoration of vascular networks and reduced the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.

To confirm these findings, the team analyzed post-mortem tissue samples from individuals who suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) due to frequent head injuries. The researchers found evidence of disrupted fatty acid metabolism and changes in the expression of genes responsible for vascular stability.

Albayram emphasized that these results should not be interpreted as a total ban on the supplement. According to him, another vital component of Omega-3—docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—retains its beneficial properties for neurons.

"I’m not saying fish oil is good or bad in some universal way," he said. "Our data shows that biological processes are context-dependent. We need to understand how these supplements behave in the body over time, rather than assuming the same effect applies to everyone."

Moving forward, the authors plan to study the mechanisms of EPA distribution and absorption in the body in greater detail. The scientists hope their work will lay the foundation for the development of "personalized nutrition" in neurology.

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