What Is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)? Other Names: Acide Docosahexaénoïque, Acide Gras d’Huile de Poisson, Omega 3 Fatty Acids

What is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in the development and functioning of the human body, particularly in the brain and eyes. It is primarily found in fish oil and is known for its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular benefits. This article explores the various aspects of DHA, including its biological functions, health benefits, and implications in different medical conditions. Other names include: Acide Docosahexaénoïque, Acide Gras d’Huile de Poisson, Acide Gras Oméga 3, Acide Gras N-3, Acide Gras W-3, Acido Docosahexaenoico, ADH, DHA, Fish Oil Fatty Acid, N-3 Fatty Acid, Neuromins, Omega 3, Oméga 3, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, W-3 Fatty Acid.

Biological Functions of DHA

DHA is a major structural component of the brain, retina, and skin. It is essential for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants and is required for the maintenance of normal brain function in adults. DHA is also involved in the modulation of inflammation and immune responses. It exerts its effects by incorporating into cell membranes, influencing membrane fluidity, and interacting with cell signaling pathways5.

Health Benefits of DHA

Vision Health

DHA has been shown to slow the progression of vision loss in conditions such as X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). In the DHAX trial, DHA supplementation significantly elevated blood DHA levels and reduced the rate of progression in visual field sensitivity and dark-adapted thresholds1. However, another study on non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) found that DHA supplementation did not significantly influence the progression of the disease2.

Cognitive Function

DHA is essential for cognitive health, particularly in aging populations. A study on healthy aging individuals found that 90 days of DHA supplementation significantly raised plasma DHA levels and improved visual acuity, although no significant effects on cognitive functioning were observed7. In animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, DHA supplementation ameliorated learning deficiencies and increased antioxidative defenses in the brain6.

Inflammatory Response

DHA possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial in conditions like mastitis. It has been shown to attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory responses in bovine mammary epithelial cells by regulating the PPARγ/NF-κB pathways5. This anti-inflammatory effect is crucial for managing chronic inflammatory conditions.

DHA in Clinical Trials

Alzheimer’s Disease

Clinical trials have investigated the role of DHA in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. One study hypothesized that larger doses of DHA are needed for adequate brain bioavailability. The trial found significant increases in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) DHA and EPA levels in the treatment group, although no differences in brain volumes or cognitive scores were observed between the groups3.

Preterm Infants

DHA supplementation in preterm infants has been studied for its effects on growth, body composition, and blood pressure. A follow-up study at 7 years corrected age found no significant differences in these parameters between high-DHA and standard-DHA groups, although a higher risk of obesity was noted in the high-DHA group4.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

DHA has also been explored for its potential in preventing PTSD. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found no significant differences in PTSD symptoms between the DHA and placebo groups at 3 months follow-up, suggesting that DHA supplementation was not superior to placebo for secondary prevention of PTSD9.

Safety and Dosage

Long-term, high-dose DHA supplementation has been generally considered safe, with limited risks. A 4-year trial on patients with XLRP reported no significant differences in adverse events between DHA and placebo groups, although gastrointestinal symptoms should be monitored8. Additionally, maternal DHA supplementation has been shown to increase DHA levels in breast milk in a dose-dependent manner without affecting arachidonic acid levels or antioxidant status10.

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Adverse Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

Gastrointestinal Issues

High-dose DHA supplementation can cause gastrointestinal (GI) irritability and discomfort. In some cases, these symptoms can be persistent and intolerable for certain individuals1.

Blood Chemistry Alterations

DHA supplementation may lead to transient changes in blood chemistry, although these changes are generally not considered severe1.

No Major Adverse Events in Children

In studies involving children, including those with ADHD and toddlers, DHA supplementation did not result in any major or minor adverse events2 3.

Obesity Risk in Preterm Infants

There is a potential increased risk of obesity in preterm infants who receive high-DHA supplementation, although this finding needs to be interpreted with caution due to the small number of children classified as obese5.

Respiratory and Allergy Outcomes

DHA supplementation in preterm infants showed no adverse effects on respiratory support duration, admission length, or home oxygen requirement. However, it did reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and hay fever in certain subgroups6.

No Significant Adverse Effects in Cognitive Studies

In studies involving older adults and infants, DHA supplementation did not result in significant adverse effects, and any reported adverse events were similar between the DHA and control groups7 9 10.

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How has Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Visual Function Improvement

DHA supplementation significantly reduced the rate of progression in visual field sensitivity and dark-adapted thresholds in patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP)1 10.

In nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR), DHA supplementation improved macular sensitivity and macular integrity index, although it did not significantly affect visual acuity or macular thickness2.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Over a 2-year period, DHA supplementation did not significantly slow the progression of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) compared to placebo3.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

DHA supplementation did not significantly reduce the incidence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with unilateral exudative AMD. However, patients with higher levels of EPA plus DHA in their red blood cell membranes had a significantly lower risk of developing CNV4.

Physical Function in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

DHA, combined with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), improved physical function, increased exercise duration, and reduced the need for joint replacement in patients with coronary artery disease5.

Cystic Fibrosis

Long-term DHA supplementation did not show significant benefits in reducing inflammatory biomarkers or improving clinical outcomes in cystic fibrosis patients6.

In pediatric cystic fibrosis patients, DHA supplementation improved the balance of fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes, reducing inflammatory markers9.

Breast Cancer Treatment

A trial is investigating whether DHA supplementation enhances the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, focusing on changes in tumor markers and systemic immune function7.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

DHA supplementation did not significantly prevent or reduce PTSD symptoms in severely injured patients compared to placebo8.

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Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Mechanisms of Action

Anti-inflammatory Effects via PPARγ/NF-κB Pathways

DHA reduces inflammation by decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. This effect is partly dependent on the activation of PPARγ1.

Regulation of FoxO Transcription Factors

DHA down-regulates the expression of FoxO1 and FoxO3 transcription factors and their target genes, which are involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. This contributes to improved metabolic homeostasis2.

Neuroprotective and Cognitive Benefits

DHA supplementation improves cognitive function and spatial learning in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease by increasing cortico-hippocampal DHA levels and enhancing antioxidative defenses3.

DHA supplementation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment shows potential cognitive benefits, particularly in non-carriers of the APOE4 allele5 6.

Enhancement of Chemotherapy Efficacy

DHA enhances the efficacy of the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin in breast cancer cells by promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. This is evidenced by increased expression of pro-apoptotic genes and decreased expression of cell cycle-related genes4.

Visual Function Preservation

DHA supplementation slows the progression of visual field loss in patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa by maintaining higher levels of DHA in red blood cells, which correlates with reduced rates of visual field sensitivity decline8.

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Common Complaints Associated with Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Use

Gastrointestinal (GI) Symptoms

High-dose DHA supplementation can cause gastrointestinal irritability and discomfort. In a 4-year trial, one participant was unable to tolerate persistent GI discomfort, indicating that GI symptoms are a notable side effect that should be monitored, especially in individuals with a history of GI disturbances1.

Blood Chemistry Alterations

Some transient changes in blood chemistry metabolites were observed during the trial, although these were not considered severe. This suggests that while there may be some biochemical changes associated with DHA use, they are generally not of significant concern1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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