Omega-3s, Brain Health, and Why Blood Levels Matter
Thu Jan 29 2026
In this episode of the NatureCity Podcast, host and supplement expert Carl Pradelli breaks down a newly published study that takes a deeper — and more impactful — look at omega-3s and brain health.
Rather than relying on food questionnaires or supplement surveys, this new research measured omega-3 blood levels, offering a clearer picture of how EPA and DHA status relates to the earliest biological stages of age-related cognitive decline. The findings reinforce an idea Carl has emphasized before: when it comes to omega-3s, long-term blood levels matter far more than short-term intake.
Carl revisits key insights from Episode 115 on omega-3s and brain health, then explains what makes this study different — including its focus on the Omega-3 Index as a predictor of cognitive aging risk. The research showed that individuals with an Omega-3 Index above 8% had significantly better brain aging outcomes, while most people in Western populations fall far below that range.
The episode also explores why simply “taking fish oil” doesn’t guarantee results. Carl explains the importance of consistent intake, proper dosing, balanced EPA and DHA ratios, and — critically — absorption and bioavailability. He breaks down why some people see meaningful benefits from omega-3s while others don’t, and how advanced delivery systems can dramatically impact results.
If you’re interested in protecting brain health decades before symptoms appear — and want practical, measurable strategies instead of guesswork — this episode offers clear guidance grounded in human research.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Why this new omega-3 study focused on blood levels, not dietary intakeHow omega-3 status relates to early biological stages of cognitive declineWhat “early onset” cognitive changes mattersWhy the Omega-3 Index is the most reliable marker of omega-3 adequacyWhat an Omega-3 Index above 8% means for long-term brain healthWhy most people never reach protective omega-3 blood levelsThe distinct roles of DHA (structure) and EPA (healthy inflammation response & blood flow) in the brainGenetics don’t determine destiny – lifestyle and nutrition matter alsoHow absorption and delivery systems impact omega-3 effectivenessHow omega-3 testing turns supplementation into a measurable strategy
SUBSCRIBE & CONNECT
Don’t miss future episodes packed with supplement science and practical healthy aging insights.
✅ Subscribe to the NatureCity YouTube channel
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favorite streaming platform
💬 Comment below with your biggest takeaway from this episode
Explore NatureCity supplements at 👉 https://www.naturecity.com
FOLLOW US
Instagram: @NatureCitySupplements
Facebook: NatureCity Supplements
#NatureCityPodcast #Omega3 #BrainHealth #CognitiveAging #HealthyAging
#Omega3Index #EPA #DHA #LongevityScience #SupplementScience #HealthSpan
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In this episode of the NatureCity Podcast, host and supplement expert Carl Pradelli breaks down a newly published study that takes a deeper — and more impactful — look at omega-3s and brain health. Rather than relying on food questionnaires or supplement surveys, this new research measured omega-3 blood levels, offering a clearer picture of how EPA and DHA status relates to the earliest biological stages of age-related cognitive decline. The findings reinforce an idea Carl has emphasized before: when it comes to omega-3s, long-term blood levels matter far more than short-term intake. Carl revisits key insights from Episode 115 on omega-3s and brain health, then explains what makes this study different — including its focus on the Omega-3 Index as a predictor of cognitive aging risk. The research showed that individuals with an Omega-3 Index above 8% had significantly better brain aging outcomes, while most people in Western populations fall far below that range. The episode also explores why simply “taking fish oil” doesn’t guarantee results. Carl explains the importance of consistent intake, proper dosing, balanced EPA and DHA ratios, and — critically — absorption and bioavailability. He breaks down why some people see meaningful benefits from omega-3s while others don’t, and how advanced delivery systems can dramatically impact results. If you’re interested in protecting brain health decades before symptoms appear — and want practical, measurable strategies instead of guesswork — this episode offers clear guidance grounded in human research. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why this new omega-3 study focused on blood levels, not dietary intakeHow omega-3 status relates to early biological stages of cognitive declineWhat “early onset” cognitive changes mattersWhy the Omega-3 Index is the most reliable marker of omega-3 adequacyWhat an Omega-3 Index above 8% means for long-term brain healthWhy most people never reach protective omega-3 blood levelsThe distinct roles of DHA (structure) and EPA (healthy inflammation response & blood flow) in the brainGenetics don’t determine destiny – lifestyle and nutrition matter alsoHow absorption and delivery systems impact omega-3 effectivenessHow omega-3 testing turns supplementation into a measurable strategy SUBSCRIBE & CONNECT Don’t miss future episodes packed with supplement science and practical healthy aging insights. ✅ Subscribe to the NatureCity YouTube channel 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favorite streaming platform 💬 Comment below with your biggest takeaway from this episode Explore NatureCity supplements at 👉 https://www.naturecity.com FOLLOW US Instagram: @NatureCitySupplements Facebook: NatureCity Supplements #NatureCityPodcast #Omega3 #BrainHealth #CognitiveAging #HealthyAging #Omega3Index #EPA #DHA #LongevityScience #SupplementScience #HealthSpan