Fish may not be as good for the brain as has been thought, researchers warned last night.
A new study finds no evidence that eating oily fish can protect the brains of elderly women.
It has been claimed the high protein content of fish together with benefits for the circulation can contribute to the health of the brain.
Researchers said their latest findings backed up previous academic studies which found no support for the theory.
Researchers studied some 2,157 women over the age of 65 for a period of six years.
They measured the women’s consumption of oily fish by testing the blood for levels of omega-3, the key component of fish oil.
Reporting in Neurology, the researchers said there was no link between omega-3 levels and the decline in the women’s mental abilities.
Researcher Dr Eric Ammann, of the University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA, said: "We do not recommend that people change their diet based on these results.
"Researchers continue to study the relationship between omega-3s and the health of the heart, blood vessels, and brain. We know that fish and nuts can be healthy alternatives to red meat and full-fat dairy products, which are high in saturated fats.”
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