DHA in Omega 3

What is DHA?

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is a major building block of Omega 3 fatty acids. Praised for its benefits to brain health and function, new research indicates DHA has brain boosting benefits in both infants and adults. Manufacturers are even adding DHA to some infant formulas and baby foods.

With support of a large number of well-conducted studies in humans and animals, most scientists and medical authorities agree that omega 3 oils are important for good health. Omega 3 studies indicate improved brain function, decreased inflammation, reduced incidence of fatal heart attacks and ischemic strokes, improved autoimmune disease, and improved vision. These same studies indicate that the neurological benefits of omega 3 oils come from DHA.

Alzheimer's and DHA

People with Alzheimer's disease have lower than normal levels of DHA in the neurons of the part of the brain responsible for recent memory. DHA supplementation improves memory both in cases of Alzheimer's disease and age-related memory loss.

Animal studies in both mice and non-human primates show that DHA depleted diets impair learning and memory. Reintroducing DHA into their diet reverses the effect in both the young and old animals.

DHA and the Brain

The human brain is always in a state of flux forming millions of nerve connections and replenishing and altering its biochemical makeup. This constant turnover of brain lipids can cause the release of DHA (and arachidonic acid). Unreplenished DHA in the brain can drastically alter brain lipids, which can degrade brain function.