Volume 30, Issue 168, February 2026

The impact of an omega-3 fatty acid–rich diet on brain and heart health

Michał Wójcicki¹, Milena Kędzierska¹, Michał Biernacki¹, Agnieszka Kowalska^1♦

¹Collegium Medicum at Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Agnieszka Kowalska, ul. Jana Chryzostoma Paska 10/30, 25-108 Kielce, Poland

ABSTRACT

Fatty acids build cell membranes, and the polyunsaturated group includes the essential omega-3s: alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Looking at the literature, it is clear that eating fish and marine omega-3s is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, largely because these fats help lower triglycerides and blood pressure while helping fight inflammation. High doses of pure EPA (4 g/day) have been shown to effectively cut the risk of cardiac events, whereas the standard doses of mixed EPA and DHA often fail to yield the same results in the general population. In the brain, DHA is the dominant fatty acid, playing a vital function in preserving cell membrane fluidity and helping neurotransmitters function properly. Animal research shows that omega-3s safeguard the brain during ischemic events by preventing cell death and reducing inflammation, and they also show promise in relieving depression symptoms, with EPA being especially effective. These benefits come with risk, however, as using high doses has been linked to a dose-dependent chance of developing atrial fibrillation. Ultimately, this analysis points out the need to personalize supplementation, accounting for the distinct effects of different fatty acids rather than treating them all the same.

Keywords: Fatty acids, EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acid, heart health

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e30ms3792

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v30i168.e30ms3792

Published: 12 February 2026