DHA: Brain fat

I’ve been considering EPA and DHA as one because they exist together as constituents of fish oil. For the most part, they also have been studied together. But researchers are discovering that the two fatty acids have their own ‘personalities’. DHA may have some real value when taken alone.

What we’re seeing is that EPA demonstrates stronger antiinflammatory actions, while DHA seems to be more important for brain health, particularly brain and eye development in infants. In fact, the supplements with EPA probably should be restricted during infancy, since it may suppress the action of other essential fats such as arachidonic acid, which the baby needs for growth. DHA not only preserves these essential fats, but it also improves upon the benefits that arachidonic acid alone provides to infants. Mother’s milk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, notably DHA. Among infant experts, a consensus is growing that all babies should be getting optimal amounts of DHA either through breast milk or fortified formulas.

THE BRAIN AND RETINA’S BEST FRIEND

The foetus’s nervous system depends critically on the omega- 3s for correct development, and DHA is the omega-3 required by the brain and retina. Research has linked a better DHA intake with, among other benefits, a smaller chance of neurological disorders. Eyesight also relies on a healthy supply. Premature infants who don’t get enough omega-3 fats, for example, could suffer from poor retinal development, while infants who receive an adequate amount of DHA have better visual responses. (This also suggests they have better neuronal development.) Premies given DHA-supplemented formulas had better visual acuity than those getting standard supplements. The most exciting avenue of research into fatty acids and infancy is that breast-fed babies are smarter. 

For adults, DHA alone may improve schizophrenia treatment. People with this emotional disorder have particularly low levels of the essential fat, and in one study supplements reduced symptoms impressively. And, DHA may be given alone (1,250 mg daily) to lower triglyceride and raise HDL.