DHA is present in moderate quantities in fish, particularly in salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna and anchovies (blue fish).
Even more represented in the oil obtained from these animals, DHA is also found in good quantities in some microalgae which, not surprisingly, the fish feed on.
Outside of these foods, dietary sources of DHA are particularly scarce; we find it in small quantities in meat, especially if the animal has been fed with fish meal or linseed (in this case it is also present in oviparous eggs, such as hens).
As evidence of its essentiality for the human organism, DHA is also present in breast milk, while it is absent in cow's milk and its derivatives, as well as in vegetable oils.
From this observation arises the recent practice of integrating the nutrition of the pregnant woman and the nurse with DHA, in order to guarantee the correct development of brain tissue, visual acuity and cognitive abilities of the fetus and newborn.
Many companies specializing in adapted milk production add DHA to their products to bring its composition closer to human milk.
Made up of a chain with 22 carbon atoms - along which six double bonds are distributed, the first of which between the third and fourth carbon atom - DHA is one of the most interesting fatty acids of the Omega 3 series due to its possible repercussions. clinics.
semi-essential, known for its marked metabolic activities.
More precisely, DHA is attributed to:
- Lipid-lowering properties, useful in reducing blood concentrations of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
- Neuroprotective properties, effective in protecting the central nervous system from the damaging action of reactive oxygen species;
- Antioxidant properties, biologically valuable for various organs and systems, including the reproductive one;
- Anti-inflammatory properties, able to extinguish the inflammatory cascade upstream;
- Immunomodulatory and antiallergic properties.
By virtue of these biological functions, supplementation with DHA has proved useful in the course of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and increased cardiovascular risk, neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, eczema and allergic diseases, retinopathies and autoimmune diseases.
The positive effects of DHA on the normal development of the central nervous system of the unborn child are also well characterized.
The importance of DHA in the control of dyslipidemias has recently been confirmed by several clinical trials.
The use of 1.25 g of DHA would have proved effective in ensuring, in a few weeks of treatment, a 20% decrease in blood concentrations of triglycerides.
This data, combined with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, would underline the cardioprotective usefulness of DHA.
DHA and Fetal Development
Although there is still no unanimity regarding pre-natal and neonatal applications, some studies and authors support the usefulness of DHA in promoting the correct development of the central nervous system and the retina of the unborn child.
Further work would associate the correct intake of DHA in the first months and years of life with an improvement in the IQ.
DHA and Neurodegenerative Pathologies
The first experimental evidence on the neuroprotective usefulness of DHA has been followed over time by noteworthy clinical studies.
In fact, the correct intake of DHA would seem to reduce the accumulation of inflammatory cytokines, partly involved in the pathogenesis of diseases such as Alzheimer's, thus being able to delay the aggravation of the disease and the relative consequences on the quality of life.
The neuroprotective activity has also been widely observed on retinal cells and in the course of ophthalmological diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration
DHA and Inflammatory Pathologies
The ability of DHA to control the production of inflammatory cytokines has facilitated the use of this nutrient in the management of numerous pro-inflammatory pathological conditions.
Cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, male fertility disorders and allergic diseases would be some of the main clinical entities that would benefit from adequate integration with DHA.
, is that of 1-4 grams per day, despite its biological action is already carried out at doses of 50-200 mg / day.
In order to avoid harmful oxidative processes, DHA-based supplements should also contain antioxidants such as tocopherol and be stored away from sources of light and heat.
In order to improve absorption and tolerability, it would be advisable to take DHA with meals.
, during lactation and in the first years of life should be supervised by medical personnel. of DHA could alter the coagulation profile in patients undergoing antiplatelet or antithrombotic therapy.or to the food from which it was extracted.
