We would have seen that signal of harm in controlled trials. We don't see harm or benefit. But that does not mean at an individual level some may benefit and others may develop side effects.
Also, Thank you for this beautifully designed study! I know we don’t have data to support this either way, but do you think mechanistically it’s possible that adding high-dose DHA supplementation in a vulnerable brain state (ie where cPLA2 activity is increased) could actually be harmful? In other words, supplementation might not be neutral, but might actually be harmful in some contexts?
I think of the recent observational study that came out ~ April 2026 showing an association between fish oil supplementation and faster cognitive decline in older adults. The study was admittedly very messy, so lots of confounders.
Agree, bless the Study participants! For the lumbar punctures, did the research team use a pencil/atraumatic (aka Whitaker/Sprotte) needle or a cutting needle (eg Quinke)?
We would have seen that signal of harm in controlled trials. We don't see harm or benefit. But that does not mean at an individual level some may benefit and others may develop side effects.
I agree with the Skeptical Cardiologist. Thank you for running a high quality study. Bummer that the COVID pandemic happened and affected the study.
Thank you so much for designing and performing this excellent study!
And kudos for sharing this information on Substack.
Thanks
Also, Thank you for this beautifully designed study! I know we don’t have data to support this either way, but do you think mechanistically it’s possible that adding high-dose DHA supplementation in a vulnerable brain state (ie where cPLA2 activity is increased) could actually be harmful? In other words, supplementation might not be neutral, but might actually be harmful in some contexts?
I think of the recent observational study that came out ~ April 2026 showing an association between fish oil supplementation and faster cognitive decline in older adults. The study was admittedly very messy, so lots of confounders.
Thank you Dr. Yassine. A very well designed study, and I appreciate you explaining it here!
--Erik
Agree, bless the Study participants! For the lumbar punctures, did the research team use a pencil/atraumatic (aka Whitaker/Sprotte) needle or a cutting needle (eg Quinke)?
Quinke needles. Thanks Erin