DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) AND CHRONIC DISEASES

DHA and mental health :

Observational studies support a direct association between poor n–3 fatty acid status and increased risk of maternal depression and childhood behavioral disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)(8) and there may be a role of increasing DHA intake in these individuals. Results in young children suggest that neurodevelopment and cognitive abilities are also enhanced by early provision of omega-3 PUFA through breast milk or DHA-fortified foods. Similarly, prospective cohort studies have shown that increased fish consumption and higher omega-3 PUFA in blood lipid sub-fractions are associated with decreased risk of dementia in older people. (9)