DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a structural constituent of membranes specifically in the central nervous system. Its accumulation in the fetal brain takes place mainly during the last trimester of pregnancy and continues at very high rates up to the end of the second year of life. Since the endogenous formation of DHA seems to be relatively low, DHA intake may contribute to optimal conditions for brain development. We performed a narrative review on research on the associations between DHA levels and brain development and function throughout the lifespan. Data from cell and animal studies justify the indication of DHA in relation to brain function for neuronal cell growth and differentiation as well as in relation to neuronal signaling. Most data from human studies concern the contribution of DHA to optimal visual acuity development. Accumulating data indicate that DHA may have effects on the brain in infancy, and recent studies indicate that the effect of DHA may depend on gender and genotype of genes involved in the endogenous synthesis of DHA. While DHA levels may affect early development, potential effects are also increasingly recognized during childhood and adult life, suggesting a role of DHA in cognitive decline and in relation to major psychiatric disorders.

Effect of time of gestation on fatty acid transporters mrna expression in bovine placenta

“…During fetal development these fatty acids are provided by the dam from the placental. Some of these fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are very important in the development of the nervous tissue in all mammals (INNIS, 2005); therefore, the passage of these fatty acids through the placenta is a process that may have a controlled regulatory mechanism of action (LAURITZEN et al, 2016). Bell (1995) mentions that the passage of fatty acids through the bovine placenta is low.…”

Breastfeeding and motor development in term and preterm infants in a longitudinal US cohort

“…Although preterm infant formulas are enriched for fats that are digestible to the preterm infant, breast-milk fat is more easily absorbed than fats in cow milk and vegetable oils, which are used in many formulas (26). Despite the importance of fatty acids, such as DHA, in the central nervous system and great research interest in their relation with cognition (27), further study on the benefits to preterm infants is needed before supplementation is recommended (26). We showed no differences in motor milestone achievement that were associated with feeding in preterm infants, but our findings by early preterm status and late preterm status need replication in larger cohorts.…”

Role and Progress of DHA Dietary Supply in Brain Development of Maternal and Golden Periods

“…All rights reserved cell growth. Previous studies indicate that DHA may affect brain in early development in fetus, infancy and early childhood [2][3][4] .…”