Have you heard about this recently? There have been numerous studies concerning Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA and brain development in infants and children. Recent research has focused on the essential natural of the nutrient throughout a person’s life. There is reason to believe that regular intake may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions. It is also important to the eyes.
Research has shown that infants whose mothers got enough omega-3s during pregnancy and while breast-feeding develop visual acuity faster than those of mothers with lower intakes. That’s understandable, because Docosahexaenoic acid is one of the major components of the retina, the light gathering mechanism connected to the optic nerve and responsible for sight. Of the fatty acids in the retina, about 60% are DHAs.
Most of the brain’s mass is fat and a large portion (about 40% in normal cases) of that fat is DHA. Without adequate supplies during fetal development, infancy and childhood, cognitive performance will be slow. Children are more likely to have behavioral problems and learning disabilities. ADHD is more common.
Not all of the studies have concerned DHA and brain development. A great many have focused on other developmental benefits. Research indicates that higher intakes reduce the risk of asthma and allergies. Researchers say that omega-3s in general are important to normal immune system function.
It is because of all of these studies and because Docosahexaenoic acid is found in human breast milk that infant formulas are now fortified with the nutrient. Many baby foods contain it, too.
Vegans don’t always like to hear about the results concerning DHA and brain development, because the only dietary sources are fish and seafood. Some types of marine algae are being grown in bioreactors to allow for the manufacture of supplements for strict vegans, but they are quite a bit more expensive than fish oil, which is found in most dietary supplements.
Some people are concerned about the use of fish for dietary supplements, when supplies are dwindling around the world. But the oils are actually byproducts of fish that have already been caught for fishmeal and animal feed.
If you would like to learn more about DHA and brain development, links to many of the studies are published online at PubMed.gov, a database created by the US National Library of Medicine. It can make for boring reading and a lot of the terms used by researchers are confusing, but just the sheer number of studies posted there should give you an idea about how much evidence there is concerning the essential nature of this nutrient.
In conclusion, the connection between DHA and brain development should not make you think that it is the only essential nutrient during pregnancy and infancy, early childhood and throughout your life. But, if you have never been fond of fish or seafood, it is something to think about.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health. Article Source:
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