DHA

Docosachexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is the primary structural component of brain and nervous system. DHA is highly concentrated within brain tissue, accounting for up to 20 percent of total brain mass.  DHA has a crucial influence on neurotransmitters in the brain, helping brain cells better communicate with each other. DHA builds receptor sites and improves reception, the higher blood levels of DHA, the higher levels of acetylcholine and serotonin are likely to be. DHA is found in cold water fatty fish along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Vegetarian sources of DHA come from seaweed. Our bodies naturally produce small amounts of DHA, but we must get the amounts we need from our diet or supplements. Most people in the Western world do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Scientists are currently researching the possibility that a lack of DHA may contribute to certain behavioral and mood disorders affecting both children and adults. Some studies have also explored a possible link between insufficient DHA and symptoms of age-related mental decline.

 

How it works:

  • Building material for neuronal membranes and neurotransmitter receptor sites.
  • Increases acetylcholine and serotonin levels.

 

Positive effects:

  • Benefits the development the central nervous system in infants.
  • Improves leaning and memory.
  • Improves mood in depression.
  • Improves difficulty reading (dyslexia) and clumsiness (dyspraxia).
  • Improves visual acuity.
  • Lower the risk of heart disease.
  • May be helpful for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

 

Safety:

May interact with blood-thinning, diabetic or hypotensive medication.

 

References: 

  • Innis SM. Dietary omega 3 fatty acids and the developing brain. Brain Res. 2008 Oct 27;1237:35-43. Epub 2008 Sep 9. 
  • Innis AM. Dietary (n-3) fatty acids and brain development. J. Nutr. 2007 Apr;137(4):855-9 
  • Auestad N et al. Visual, cognitive, and language assessments at 39 months: a follow-up study of children fed formulas containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to 1 year of age. Pediatrics. 2003 Sep;112(3 Pt 1):e177-83 
  • Novak EM, Dyer RA, Innis SM. High dietary omega-6 fatty acids contribute to reduced docosahexaenoic acid in the developing brain and inhibit secondary neurite growth. Brain Res. 2008 Oct 27;1237:136-45. Epub 2008 Aug 5. 
  • Leaf A. Historical overview of n-3 fatty acids and coronary heart disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Jun;87(6):1978S-80S. 
  • Mabile L, Piolot A, Boulet L, Fortin LJ, Doyle N, Rodriquez C, et al. Moderate intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with stable erythrocyte resistance to oxidative stress in hypertriglyceridemic subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;7494):449-456. 
  • Mori TA. Omega-3 fatty acids and hypertension in humans. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2006 Sep;33(9):842-6. Review. 
  • Mozaffarian D, Rimm EB. Fish intake, contaminants, and human health: evaluating the risks and the benefits. JAMA. 2006 Oct 18;296(15):1885-99. Review.