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MIDAS, which stands for Memory Improvement with Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Study, was conducted by Martek Biosciences Corporation (Martek) and represents the first large randomised and placebo-controlled study demonstrating the benefits of DHA in maintaining and improving brain health in older adults.
Martek’s trial was conducted over six months, and the compound was tested in healthy people to see its effect on “age related cognitive decline” (ARCD) using Martek’s algal DHA.
The ICAD 2009 presentation highlighted MIDAS’ findings that healthy people with memory complaints who took algal DHA capsules for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance versus those who took a placebo - a benefit roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger.
“DHA is a structural fat in the brain that has been shown in epidemiological, preclinical and now clinical research to support brain health in aging adults,” says Karin Yurko-Mauro, Associate Director of Clinical Research at Martek, and leader of the MIDAS trial.
“The results of MIDAS indicate that consumption of 900 mg of algal DHA per day improves learning and memory recall in healthy aging adults,” explained Ms Yurko-Mauro. “This is significant because most people eating a Western diet consume much lower levels.”
According to the ICAD presentation, MIDAS also highlighted the link between algal DHA and cardiovascular health. MIDAS subjects who consumed algal DHA demonstrated significantly reduced heart rates compared with those who took the placebo.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is naturally found in the body in small amounts, and is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the brain. DHA oil is abundant in some marine microalgae, which provide the DHA that makes fatty fish a good source of DHA.
Andrew Sinclair, Professor of Human Nutrition at Deakin University, Melbourne and international omega-3 expert says: “The results from MIDAS add weight to the argument that increased consumption of omega-3 DHA is beneficial not only to the brain but also to the cardiovascular system – particularly for aging Australians.”
“In contrast, the average Australian consumes less than half the recommended dietary intake of long chain omega-3 fatty acids, which is around 500 mg per day,” he continued.
“Aside from traditional fish and fish oil sources, Australians wishing to increase their DHA intake may consider adding fortified foods and beverages such as yoghurt, eggs, honey and juice to their diet as these offer an alternative source of omega-3 DHA and an easy way to achieve DHA intakes comparable to the amounts used in MIDAS,” Professor Sinclair said.
Study Report / Aust Product List - Click to Download PDF
For information, research or interviews with Professor Andrew Sinclair please contact: Andrea McKay or Julie Morgan on: (03) 9696 5060 or email: amckay@jmm.com.au <mailto:amckay@jmm.com.au> * Karin Yurko-Mauro, et al – Results of the MIDAS Trial: Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Physiological and Safety Parameters in Age-Related Cognitive Decline (Funder: Martek Biosciences Corporation)
About Martek
Martek Biosciences Corporation was founded in 1985 and is a leader in the innovation and development of life-science-based products that promote health and wellness through every stage of life. Martek produces life’sDHAä, a vegetarian and sustainable source of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, now available for use in food and beverages in Australia. For more information about life’sDHAä and Martek go to: www.lifesdha.com.au <http://www.lifesdha.com.au> .
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