Omega-3s and brain health: what the science really says | Dr. Bill Harris & Prof. Sarah Berry
ZOE Science & Nutrition
Omega-3 and Brain Development
This chapter highlights the significance of omega-3 intake, especially DHA, for brain development during pregnancy and early childhood. It outlines the omega-3 index, methods for measuring levels, and strategies for increasing omega-3 intake for better health outcomes.
Omega-3 fatty acids have long been lauded for heart health benefits. Yet, emerging research now points to an even more profound impact, directly on our most complex organ: the brain.
Today, we delve into the critical, often misunderstood, role of omega-3s in cognitive function, mental well-being, and even the prevention of neurodegenerative conditions like dementia.
We are joined by Dr. Bill Harris, a globally recognised authority in omega-3 fatty acid research. Bill is a Professor at the University of South Dakota and has over 300 peer-reviewed publications. His foundational work includes pioneering studies on fish oil in the 1980s and shaping American Heart Association scientific statements.
In this episode, Dr. Harris - along with ZOE's Chief Scientist Professor Sarah Berry - illuminate why most individuals may be operating with suboptimal omega-3 levels, and the tangible implications this has for mood regulation, anxiety, and long-term brain resilience. We navigate nuances between omega-3 types like EPA and DHA, debunk common misconceptions surrounding plant-based sources and mercury content in fish, and explore the precise methods for assessing and improving your own "Omega-3 Index."
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Timecodes
00:00 Do Omega 3s Really Protect Your Brain?
01:46 Are We Deficient in Omega 3?
02:15 Plant vs. Fish: Omega 3 Sources Explained
03:34 Are EPA & DHA Really "Essential"?
05:03 The Omega 3 Family Tree: ALA, EPA, and DHA
07:05 Plant Based Myth: Omega 3 Conversion Rates
11:00 The "Optimal" Omega 3 Level: Are You There?
12:51 Historical Omega 3 Intake: What Did Our Ancestors Eat?
14:19 Are Omega 3s Only For Heart Health?
15:13 Why Fish Oil First Made Headlines
18:47 Why Are Omega 3s so Great for Your Heart
21:01 Clearing the Confusion: Omega 3 Supplements for Heart Health
25:11 Omega 3s and Longevity
28:18 Omega 3s and Brain Health: The Latest Science
29:15 Dementia Risk: Omega 3 Levels in the Brain
30:01 Mental Health Breakthrough: Omega 3s for Anxiety & Depression
32:41 EPA vs. DHA for Depression: The Surprising Findings
35:28 The Blood Brain Barrier: Can Omega 3s Reach Your Brain?
38:40 Measuring Your Omega 3 Index: How to Get Tested
42:20 Mercury in Fish: Is it a Real Concern?
45:19 Farmed vs. Wild Salmon: What's the Difference?
48:50 The Omega 6 to Omega 3 Ratio: A Useless Metric?
54:50 Vegan & Vegetarian Options: Algae Based Omega 3s
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Mentioned in today's episodeâ
Plasma Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Risk for Incident Dementia in the UK Biobank Study: A Closer Look, 2013, Nutrients
Fish consumption advice is depriving children of neurolipids and other nutrients essential to brain and eye development, 2025, NeuroToxicology
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