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Fish consumption and brain structure: a comprehensive systematic review of observational studies.

  • 2026-04-11
  • Aging clinical and experimental research 38(1)
    • Justyna Godos
    • Giuseppe Caruso
    • Agnieszka Micek
    • Alberto Dolci
    • Zoltan Ungvari
    • Andrea Lehoczki
    • Lisandra Leon
    • Evelyn Frias-Toral
    • Andrea Di Mauro
    • Mario Siervo
    • Michelino Di Rosa
    • Giuseppe Grosso

Study Design

Type
Systematic Review
Sample size
n = 24
Population
adult populations (predominantly older adults)
Methods
Systematic review of studies indexed in two major electronic databases, screened based on keywords and MeSH terms; brain volume measures via MRI

Background

Age-related structural changes in the human brain, including cortical atrophy, reductions in grey and white matter volumes, and the accumulation of small vessel-related lesions such as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cerebral microbleeds, represent critical biological substrates underlying cognitive decline and dementia. Fish consumption has been associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced risk of dementia, but a comprehensive evaluation of its relation with brain structures is lacking.

Aims

The aim of this study was to systematically review current scientific literature providing evidence of relation between fish intake and brain structures in human studies.

Methods

Studies indexed in two major electronic databases have been screened based on a combination of keywords and MeSH terms. Studies were eligible whether they assessed fish consumption in relation to brain structures in the adult populations.

Results

A total of 24 studies conducted predominantly on older adults met inclusion criteria. Most brain volume measures were obtained via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. Higher fish consumption was associated with reduced severity of white matter hyperintensities (a biomarker of cerebral small vessel disease and white matter damage) and cerebral micro-bleed, preservation of certain brain areas volumes (i.e., hippocampus, temporal lobe and periventricle white matter) and cortical thickness of specific areas (i.e., precuneus, parietal, and cingulate grey matter), among others, compared to lower intake. Some analyses found no association and isolated findings suggested possible adverse associations that were not consistently replicated. Studies reporting null findings may underline the possible relevance of the overall diet (i.e., adherence to the Mediterranean diet).

Conclusions

Inclusion of fish in a healthy and balanced diet is associated with better white matter grades on MRI and slower progression of white matter hyperintensities and reduction of vascular-related lesions of the aging brain, suggesting a potential role in preventing neurocognitive deterioration. Heterogeneity across studies underscores the need for additional studies.

Research Insights

  • Fish→Preserved Brain Volume

    preservation of certain brain areas volumes (i.e., hippocampus, temporal lobe and periventricle white matter) and cortical thickness of specific areas (i.e., precuneus, parietal, and cingulate grey matter), among others, compared to lower intake.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    not specified (dietary fish consumption)
  • Fish→Preserved Cortical Thickness

    preservation of certain brain areas volumes (i.e., hippocampus, temporal lobe and periventricle white matter) and cortical thickness of specific areas (i.e., precuneus, parietal, and cingulate grey matter), among others, compared to lower intake.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    not specified (dietary fish consumption)
  • Fish→Reduced Cerebral Microbleed

    Higher fish consumption was associated with reduced severity of white matter hyperintensities (a biomarker of cerebral small vessel disease and white matter damage) and cerebral micro-bleed

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    not specified (dietary fish consumption)
  • Fish→Reduced White Matter Hyperintensity Severity

    Higher fish consumption was associated with reduced severity of white matter hyperintensities (a biomarker of cerebral small vessel disease and white matter damage) and cerebral micro-bleed

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    not specified (dietary fish consumption)
  • Fish→Slowed Progression of White Matter Hyperintensities

    Inclusion of fish in a healthy and balanced diet is associated with better white matter grades on MRI and slower progression of white matter hyperintensities and reduction of vascular-related lesions of the aging brain

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    not specified (dietary fish consumption)

Adverse Events Reported

  • Fish→cerebral microbleed

    Higher fish consumption was associated with reduced severity of white matter hyperintensities (a biomarker of cerebral small vessel disease and white matter damage) and cerebral micro-bleed.

    Finding
    Reported
  • Fish→white matter hyperintensities

    Higher fish consumption was associated with reduced severity of white matter hyperintensities (a biomarker of cerebral small vessel disease and white matter damage) and cerebral micro-bleed.

    Finding
    Reported
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