Docosahexaenoic Acid function for brain health introduction

This charpter is about Docosahexaenoic Acid function for brain health. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA 22:6) is essential for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants. Docosahexaenoic acid,DHA,is also required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults.

About Docosahexaenoic Acid function for brain health

The inclusion of plentiful docosahexaenoic acid DHA in the diet improves learning ability, whereas deficiencies of DHA are associated with deficits in learning. Docosahexaenoic acid DHA is taken up by the brain in preference to other fatty acids. The turnover of DHA in the brain is very fast, more so than is generally realized. The visual acuity of healthy, full-term, formula-fed infants is increased when their formula includes DHA. During the last 50 years, many infants have been fed formula diets lacking DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids.

Docosahexaenoic acid DHA deficiencies are associated with foetal alcohol syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, unipolar depression, aggressive hostility, and adrenoleukodystrophy. Decreases in DHA in the brain are associated with cognitive decline during aging and with onset of sporadic Alzheimer disease.

The leading cause of death in western nations is cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological studies have shown a strong correlation between docosahexaenoic acid consumption and reduction in sudden death from myocardial infarction. The reduction is approximately 50% with 200 mg day(-1)of DHA . Not only does DHA oil reduce triglycerides in the blood and decrease thrombosis, but it also prevents cardiac arrhythmias. The association of DHA deficiency with depression is the reason for the robust positive correlation between depression and myocardial infarction. Patients with cardiovascular disease or Type II diabetes are often advised to adopt a low-fat diet with a high proportion of carbohydrate. A study with women shows that this type of diet increases plasma triglycerides and the severity of Type II diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Please see: Benefits of Docosahexaenoic Acid 

Docosahexaenoic Acid function has a positive effect on diseases such as hypertension, arthritis, atherosclerosis, depression, adult-onset diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, thrombosis, and some cancers.

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