# Vitamin D3 Plus DHA Beat Either Alone for Memory in Older Adults With MCI

*Effects of a Combined Vitamin D3 and Docosahexaenoic Acid Intervention on Cognitive Function and Blood Pyroptotic Biomarkers in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 12-Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.*

- **Evidence Level**: Strong
- **Facts**: Design: Journal Article · Funding: The authors report no conflicts of interest.
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
- **Journal**: Nutrients
- **Sample Size**: 360 older adults with mild cognitive impairment (355 completed)
- **Authors**: Yuan J, Yang R, Chen H, Zhao H, Chen X, Lou Z, Han X, Ma F
- **Graded and published**: 2026-08-25
- **Last edited**: 2026-09-16
- **Topics**: vitamin D3, omega-3, cognition
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18172777
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42738950/

## Summary

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment took vitamin D3, DHA (an omega-3 fat), both, or a placebo for a year. All three supplement groups scored better on IQ-based cognitive tests than placebo, but the combination did best. Blood markers of a fiery type of cell death called pyroptosis also dropped most in the combined group, and one of them, GSDMD, seemed to explain part of the mental gains.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests vitamin D3 with DHA may support thinking skills in older adults with mild cognitive decline.

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