When omega-3 fatty acids go bad from exposure to air or heat, they might hurt the energy factories inside your brain cells, making it harder for them to work properly.

Some scientists think that taking omega-3 supplements might hurt memory or thinking in older people because these fats can break down in a way that damages the energy supply in brain cells.

Taking omega-3 fatty acids might help your muscle cells work better and stay healthier as you age or if you're inactive, but it doesn't reliably make your muscles grow or repair faster.

Omega-3s, especially the types called DHA and EPA, might help with brain and heart diseases because they're important for how our nervous system works.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and some plants, help your body calm down long-term inflammation, improve blood vessel health, and keep your cells’ energy systems running smoothly.

Taking omega-3 fatty acids might help reduce harmful stress in muscle cells, especially as we age or if we're sick, and this could help muscles stay stronger and work better — but this has only been seen in animal or lab studies so far.