Question : MY grandfather is 73 years old and is quite active and healthy. He has slightly elevated cholesterol levels for which he is currently taking medication. Diet-wise, he is also quite careful and takes a lot of fish. However, he does not like the oily variety and prefers the low-fat white fish. I have read about the role of omega-3 in fatty fish for brain and eye development. Can fish oil supplements help the elderly in their brain and eye functions?

Answer : DHA found in omega-3 fatty acids is needed for a healthy brain and eyes. Both young and old will get the same benefits and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help in the prevention of old age dementia and Alzheimer's disease. As your grandfather prefers white fish, he may not be getting sufficient omega-3 to help in controlling his cholesterol, as well as for his eyes and overall health.
I would suggest he takes a concentrated fish oil supplement to increase his intake of the omega-3 fatty acids. As concentrated fish oil supplements provide double the amount of the fatty acids than the normal capsules, he will only have to take one to two capsules a day.
It is important to note that the fish oil supplement be in triglyceride form as the bio- availability of the fatty acids in this form is 70 per cent higher than those fish oil concentrates in ethyl ester form. They may cost a bit more, however, but the superior availability more than makes up for it in the long run, and especially beneficial for the elderly as their digestive systems are not as efficient as when they were younger. The body is able to absorb more of the omega-3 from a triglyceride concentrate because its structure is the closest to the structure of naturally occurring fats.
Other beneficial supplements include lecithin and antioxidant nutrients. Take lecithin supplements to help improve cholesterol absorption and removal from tissue deposits. Supplement with antioxidant nutrients, beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, selenium and zinc to protect against plague formation due to excess cholesterol levels in the blood.
The role of diet and lifestyle must not be underestimated. Diet- wise, reduce or avoid red meats, animal fats and products, cheese, butter and other dairy products, food high in cholesterol like egg yolk (in fried form) and liver, refined sugar, bread, pasta, sweets and other simple carbohydrates.
Increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Refrain from or reduce intake of alcoholic beverages, achieve normal body weight, manage stress wisely, exercise regularly and avoid smoking.

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