Docosahexaenoic acid

Docosahexaenoic acid (commonly known as DHA; 22:6 omega-3, all-cis-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid, trivial name cervonic acid) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid. Chemically, DHA is a carboxylic acid with a 22-carbon chain and six cis double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end.

DHA is most often found in fish oil. Most of the DHA in fish and other more complex organisms originates in microalgae of the genus Schizochytrium, and concentrates in organisms as it moves up the food chain. Most animals make very little DHA metabolically, however small amounts are manufactured internally through the consumption of α-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid found in chia, flax, and many other seeds and nuts.

DHA is a major fatty acid in sperm and brain phospholipids, especially in the retina. Dietary DHA can reduce the level of blood triglycerides in humans, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Low levels of DHA have been associated with ADHD, Alzheimer's disease, and depression, among other diseases, and there is mounting evidence that DHA supplementation may be effective in combating such diseases (see external links at the end of this article).

The chemical strucuture of DHA showing physiological numbering (red) and chemical numbering (blue) conventions.

DHA in breast milk and infant formula

DHA concentrations in breast milk range from 0.07% to greater than 1.0% of total fatty acids, with a mean of about 0.34%. DHA levels in breast milk are higher if a mother's diet is high in fish.

DHA has been an ingredient in several brands of premium infant formula sold in North America since 2001, after approval by the Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada. It, together with arachidonic acid (ARA), are permitted in infant formula because both are components of breast milk found around the world.

DHA makes infant formula more like human milk than "conventional" formula containing linolenic acid and linoleic acid, which are precursors. Formula sold in North America uses lipids from microorganisms grown in bioreactors as sources of DHA. (Connell, 2001) (Martek)

External links

• Connell, Gary, J.; et al. (26 July 2001). "SOLVENTLESS EXTRACTION PROCESS". Retrieved February 8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help) A patent at the WIPO.
• "Martek DHA and AHA Introduction". Retrieved February 9. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)