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Fish oil supplements are on the nose following a new study in Cell Reports. The study from the Medical University of South Carolina led researchers to conclude that eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, an omega-3 found in fish oil, may slow down the brain's repair processes following multiple mild traumatic brain injuries.

The researchers found that increased levels of EPA were associated with reduced stability of blood vessels, impaired signals for repair, and greater accumulation of toxic tau protein (linked to neurodegenerative diseases) in both mice and human cells. DHA had neutral to different effects, but EPA seemed to establish a metabolic weakness that inhibits healing.

The results cast doubt on the notion that fish oil is unconditionally good for the brain. Researchers warn caution, particularly for people with a risk of recurrent brain trauma, such as from sports. Further work in humans is required, but the evidence suggests nuance is needed—fish oil might help in some situations but may hinder recovery from traumatic brain injury. Ask your doctor before supplementing.