A large study in Foods (Basel, Switzerland) published in 2024 reviewed hundreds of papers on functional ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids present in oily fish. The authors describe how these lipids, when well formulated and efficiently absorbed, are associated with benefits on heart, inflammation and also cognitive function.
The review focuses on the adult population and looks from the molecule to the market, i.e. which compounds have clinical support, how they are processed in the body and how they make their way into functional foods and supplements. For everyday life, the message is clear, it is not enough to eat, it matters what type of fat is chosen, how it is presented and how it is combined with other habits.
Study positions omega-3s as functional ingredients with evidence on brain health
The paper, a narrative review, compiled recent studies on fibre, probiotics, polyphenols, bioactive peptides and omega-3 fatty acids, among others. In the case of long-chain omega-3s, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), it highlights trials in which their consumption is associated with a better cardiometabolic profile and support for cognitive function in adults.
The authors point out that not all trials are the same and that the magnitude of changes is usually modest but consistent when sufficient and sustained intake is achieved over time. They also stress that product design influences absorption, for example through emulsions or encapsulation that protect lipids and improve their stability.
How omega-3s work in the brain and why they are considered functional
DHA is a key structural component of the membranes of neurons and the retina. It is integrated into the lipid layer that surrounds each nerve cell and enables receptors and channels to function smoothly. Adequate DHA intake is associated with better communication between neurons and a more flexible response to oxidative stress.
EPA is involved in the synthesis of mediators that modulate inflammation. Instead of blocking processes, it directs the response towards less aggressive profiles, which is relevant for blood vessels and also for the brain environment. The reviewed article explains that this combination of structural and regulatory effects makes omega-3s functional ingredients, i.e. nutrients that provide more than just calories.
Daily habits that support cognitive function alongside omega-3s
The review stresses that no single ingredient works in isolation. The basis remains a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, whole grains and quality fat sources such as oily fish, nuts and olive oil. Added to this is regular movement, sufficient rest and stress management.
For brain health, the authors point to the value of stable lifestyle patterns, with regular sleep schedules, daily exposure to natural light and a reduction in smoking and excess alcohol. In that context, omega-3s are integrated as one piece of long-term care, especially in adults who wish to maintain mental clarity and cognitive performance over the years.
How Nutribiolite’s DHA PS, an omega-3 supplement, fits into this vision of a functional ingredient
Nutribiolite’s DHA PS, a food supplement based on fish oil rich in DHA and phosphatidylserine, aligns with the functional ingredient vision developed in the study. The formulation focuses on providing DHA and EPA from fish, i.e. the same types of omega-3s that the scientific literature associates with support for cognitive function in adults.
The Foods review describes omega-3s as compounds with clinical evidence for mental performance, provided they are administered in formats that support their stability and bioavailability. A concentrated fish oil-based supplement enables consistent daily intakes of DHA and EPA to be achieved, which is difficult for many people through diet alone, and is easily integrated into a long-term brain care routine.
DHA-rich fish oil supplement designed for dietary-conscious adults who want functional support for the brain and eyes.
What this means for your daily life
The overall message of the study and the approach of products like DHA PS is that the brain responds best when it receives, on a consistent basis, the nutrients that are part of its very structure. In this case, long-chain omega-3s behave as both building blocks and regulators, supporting the integrity of neuronal membranes and modulating inflammation.
Integrating oily fish several times a week, taking care of lifestyle and, when it makes sense, valuing a DHA-rich fish oil-based supplement may be a reasonable strategy for those who want to sustain their mental and visual performance over time. Always within an overall health vision, where diet and habits remain the main pillar.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean for an omega-3 to be a functional ingredient?
A functional ingredient is a nutrient that, in addition to providing energy or structure, has measured effects on bodily functions, such as modulating inflammation or supporting cognitive function. Long-chain omega-3s, such as DHA and EPA, fit into this category based on accumulating evidence in adults.
Why the study highlights the role of omega-3s in cognitive function
The review reports trials where sufficient intake of DHA and EPA is associated with more favourable markers of brain health and mental performance. It does not speak of cures, but of long-term physiological support, especially relevant in a context of ageing and high daily mental workload.
Is eating fish enough or does supplementation make sense?
For many people, reaching the recommended weekly portions of oily fish is difficult due to preference, price or availability. In such cases, a supplement based on DHA-rich fish oil can help to ensure a constant intake of omega-3, always within a healthy lifestyle.
What is the relationship between DHA and brain structure?
DHA forms part of the membranes of neurons and the retina, where it contributes to the fluidity and stability of the cells. An adequate supply helps the communication processes between neurons to take place in a more favourable environment, something that the literature links to better cognitive function.
What type of person can a product like DHA PS be suitable for?
It may suit adults who already take care of their diet, are concerned about cardiovascular and brain health, and want additional support based on omega-3s from fish oil. Its role is to complement healthy habits, not replace them.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a health professional.
