Docosahexaenoic acid 100mg capsules

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the predominant omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) found in the brain and can affect neurological function by modulating signal transduction pathways, neurotransmission, neurogenesis, myelination, membrane receptor function, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, membrane integrity and membrane organization. DHA is rapidly accumulated in the brain during gestation and early infancy, and the availability of DHA via transfer from maternal stores impacts the degree of DHA incorporation into neural tissues. The consumption of DHA leads to many positive physiological and behavioral effects, including those on cognition. Advanced cognitive function is uniquely human, and the optimal development and aging of cognitive abilities has profound impacts on quality of life, productivity, and advancement of society in general. However, the modern diet typically lacks appreciable amounts of DHA. Therefore, in modern populations, maintaining optimal levels of DHA in the brain throughout the lifespan likely requires obtaining preformed DHA via dietary or supplemental sources. In this review, we examine the role of DHA in optimal cognition during development, adulthood, and aging with a focus on human evidence and putative mechanisms of action.

Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the revision of the safe level of intake for supplemental docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to identify human intervention studies administering supplemental DHA alone from a source with an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/DHA ratio < 0.3 for at least 8 weeks, without restrictions on population or outcome. Hazard identification focused on bleeding complications (including bleeding time, platelet function and blood clotting parameters), glucose homeostasis, blood lipid profile, markers of lipid peroxidation, immune function, pregnancy endpoints and safety, tolerability and adverse events. The risk of spontaneous bleeding was selected as the critical effect on which to base the UL/safe level of intake for supplemental DHA alone. In the absence of adequate data to characterise a dose-response relationship and identify a reference point, no UL for supplemental DHA alone can be established for any population group. Therefore, the Panel derived a safe level of intake, which differs from a UL in that it is based on intakes up to which no adverse effects have been observed. Based on the available evidence, the Panel retains the safe level of intake of 1 g/day for supplemental DHA alone established in 2012 for all population groups (i.e. infants, children, adolescents and adults, including pregnant and lactating women). This safe level of intake applies to DHA added to foods or consumed as food supplements in any chemical form (e.g. triacylglycerols, ethyl esters, phospholipids) from sources (e.g. fish oil concentrates, algal oils, krill oils) containing DHA alone or mostly DHA (i.e., EPA/DHA ratio < 0.3).

Abstract licence: CC BY-ND