What is dha omega 3 fatty acid

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Understanding DHA Omega-3 Fatty Acid

What is DHA Omega-3 Fatty Acid?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) primarily found in marine sources such as fish and fish oils Tocher2019Hegde2016. DHA is known for its significant health benefits, particularly in brain and cardiovascular health Swanson2012Dyall2015.

Importance of DHA in Human Health

Brain Health and Development

DHA is crucial for brain development and function. It accumulates in neural tissue during the last trimester of pregnancy, making it essential for fetal brain development . Studies have shown that DHA supports cognitive function and may help in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's Swanson2012Dyall2015. It is also important for proper neuronal, retinal, and immune function during fetal development .

Cardiovascular Health

DHA, along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has been linked to various cardiovascular benefits. These include reducing inflammation, improving lipid profiles, and potentially lowering the risk of major coronary events Swanson2012Abdelhamid2018. However, recent trials have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of DHA and EPA supplements in reducing cardiovascular mortality and events .

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Properties

DHA exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in managing conditions like asthma and allergies . Additionally, DHA has shown potential in inhibiting tumor growth and metastatic potential in ovarian cancer, indicating its role in cancer prevention and treatment .

Global DHA Levels and Dietary Sources

Blood Levels of DHA

A global survey has revealed significant variability in blood levels of DHA and EPA among different populations. Regions with high levels include the Sea of Japan and Scandinavia, while very low levels are observed in North America, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa . This variability may influence the global risk for chronic diseases.

Dietary Sources and Supplementation

The primary sources of DHA are marine fish and fish oils. Due to the insufficient conversion of plant-based omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) to DHA in the human body, it is essential to consume preformed DHA for optimal health . Consuming one to two servings of fish per week or using fish oil supplements are recommended ways to increase DHA intake .

Conclusion

DHA omega-3 fatty acid is a vital nutrient with numerous health benefits, particularly for brain and cardiovascular health. Despite its importance, many populations have low blood levels of DHA, highlighting the need for increased dietary intake through fish, fish oils, or supplements. Understanding and optimizing DHA intake can support overall health and help mitigate the risk of various chronic diseases.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Global survey of the omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in the blood stream of healthy adults.

High EPA+DHA blood levels are found in the Sea of Japan, Scandinavia, and areas with indigenous populations, while very low levels are found in most regions, potentially increasing global risk for chronic disease.

Systematic ReviewHighly Cited

2016·

482citations

·K. Stark et al.

Progress in lipid research·

DOI

Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA: Bridging the Gap between Supply and Demand

New sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as algae and fungi, can help bridge the current supply and demand gap, enabling healthier, balanced diets for human consumers.

Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2019·

499citations

·D. Tocher et al.

Nutrients·

DOI

Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: health benefits throughout life.

Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential for proper fetal development, cardiovascular function, and mild Alzheimer's disease prevention, weight management, and cognitive function.

Highly Cited

2012·

1397citations

·Danielle Swanson et al.

Advances in nutrition·

DOI

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA

Understanding the unique effects of EPA, DPA, and DHA in brain health and repair can improve dietary recommendations and therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative and neurological disorders.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2015·

836citations

·S. Dyall

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience·

DOI

Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish and plants shows little or no effect on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and stroke risk.

Meta-AnalysisHighly Cited

2018·

614citations

·A. Abdelhamid et al.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·

DOI

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, inhibits tumor growth and metastatic potential of ovarian cancer.

DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, shows potential as a therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and metastatic potential in a mouse model.

In Vitro Study

2020·

36citations

·L. West et al.

American journal of cancer research

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

EPA and DHA are essential fatty acids found in fish and fish oils, and consuming one to two servings per week, supplementing with fish oil, and choosing fortified foods is the best way to add them to your diet.

Highly Cited

2016·

391citations

·M. V. Hegde et al.

Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science·

DOI

Protocol for assessing whether cognition of preterm infants <29 weeks’ gestation can be improved by an intervention with the omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): a follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

Enteral DHA supplementation in preterm infants 29 weeks' gestation during the first months of life may improve cognitive development at 5 years of age, but may not reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

RCTLarge Human TrialRigorous Journal

2021·

7citations

·J. Gould et al.

BMJ Open·

DOI

Role of omega-3 fatty acids and their metabolites in asthma and allergic diseases.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have protective effects against asthma and allergies, with a causal relationship between decreased intake and an increasing number of individuals with these diseases.

Highly Cited

2014·

208citations

·J. Miyata et al.

Allergology international : official journal of the Japanese Society of Allergology·

DOI

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Functionality of High-Density Lipoprotein in Individuals With High Cardiovascular Risk: A Randomized, Parallel, Controlled and Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Omega-3 fatty acids effectively reduce cardiovascular risk by improving HDL functionality and modifying its lipid, antioxidant, and enzyme composition in individuals with high cardiovascular risk.

RCT

2022·

28citations

·F. Cartolano et al.

Frontiers in Nutrition·

DOI

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