Omega-3 fatty acids, brain health and the menopause

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Minihane, Anne Marie (2025) Omega-3 fatty acids, brain health and the menopause. Post Reproductive Health. ISSN 2053-3691

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Abstract

The menopausal transition is associated with vasomotor symptoms, disrupted sleep, transient cognitive deficits and changes in mood and anxiety levels, underpinned by declining and erratic estrogen availability in the brain. Relative to other tissues the brain is enriched in the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic (DHA), with well-defined neurophysiological roles for both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA. Substantial preclinical and epidemiological evidence along with accumulating randomised controlled trial (RCT) data indicates that an increase in EPA and DHA intake and status is associated with improved brain function. In this narrative review, the role of EPA and DHA in the menopausal transition (MT) is considered. The evidence, although relatively sparse, is indicative of benefit, with future RCTs needed to establish dose–response relationships and when it is most beneficial to intervene. Although research is at a relatively early stage, the MT is emerging as a critical window of intervention opportunity not only to support MT well-being but also lifelong health in women.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	anxiety,brain fog,docosahexaenoic (dha),eicosapentaenoic acid (epa),memory,sleep,vasomotor symptoms,obstetrics and gynaecology ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2729
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Norwich Institute for Healthy Aging Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Nutrition and Preventive Medicine Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Related URLs:	http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	30 Jun 2025 11:30
Last Modified:	30 Jun 2025 11:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/99779
DOI:	10.1177/20533691251341701

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