Unfavorable Blood Lipids Linked to Slower Thinking in Teens
A Finnish study of 251 adolescents found that unhealthy blood fat profiles are associated with poorer cognitive function, specifically slower processing speed, as early as age 15-17.
Key Findings
- Blood markers of dysfunctional lipid metabolism are linked to poorer cognitive function in adolescents aged 15-17.
- Higher concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and saturated fatty acids were specifically tied to slower processing speed.
- Higher serum concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were also associated with poorer performance on tasks requiring fast processing speed.
- A more favorable ratio of omega-3 to total fatty acids was associated with better working memory.
Background
The study is a collaboration between the Institute of Biomedicine at the University of Eastern Finland and the Preventive Health Research Unit at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk). It examined 251 adolescents aged 15-17.
The research is part of the "Cardiovascular Roots of Youth Brain Health" project, funded by the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation. Data came from the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study.
Statement
"Unfavorable blood lipid profiles can compromise cognitive function as early as adolescence. These results reinforce the evidence base for integrating cardiovascular disease prevention into broader child and adolescent health policy — what protects the heart also protects the developing brain."
— Eero Haapala, PhD, Senior Researcher at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and Research Director at the Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland
Publication
The results were published in Pediatric Research.