Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. In the liver, ALA converts to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a crucial component of brain health. Evidence suggests that low DHA levels can impair cognitive function. However, a recent study in older adults found that supplemental flaxseed oil enhances cognitive function, particularly verbal fluency—the ability to retrieve and use words quickly.

The study involved 60 cognitively healthy older adults between the ages of 65 and 80. Half of the participants received 3.7 grams of flaxseed oil containing 2.2 grams of ALA daily for 12 weeks, and the other half received corn oil. Before and after the intervention, researchers assessed aspects of their cognitive function, including verbal fluency.

Verbal fluency relies on several cognitive skills, including recalling word meanings, finding the right words quickly, processing information efficiently, controlling impulses, holding and using information in the moment, switching between tasks or ideas, and adapting to new situations. It also involves multiple areas of the brain working together. Unfortunately, verbal fluency declines with age, impairing conversation and social interactions and serving as a predictor of Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers found that participants who received the ALA-rich flaxseed oil supplement had higher verbal fluency than their peers who received the corn oil, suggesting that flaxseed oil is suitable for delivering crucial omega-3s to the brain. Learn more about the effects of omega-3s on brain health in this clip featuring Dr. Axel Montagne.