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DHA & AA Imperative to Optimal Health |
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DHA & AA Imperative to Optimal Health
by totalhealth editors
Over the past decade a wide body of
research has established essential
fatty acid (EFA) supplementation,
particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and
arachidonic acid (AA) as an imperative to
establishing and maintaining optimal health
throughout our lifetimes.
Adequate levels of essential fatty acids are
a must in pregnancy and early human development.
DHA is a key component of healthy
heart tissue, is critical to the brain and is the
major structural and functional EFA in the
central nervous system.
Low levels of DHA are associated with
impaired concentration, learning ability,
memory and visual function, as well as
depression, hostility and aggression. In several
studies hyperactive children were found
to have significantly lower blood levels of DHA
and learning disabilities were linked to DHA
deficiency. Although the single decisive study
has not yet been done, every indication from
the research completed to date is that correction
of DHA deficiency should benefit ADHD.
EFA balance is important and DHA administered
together with GLA (gamma-linolenic
acid, an omega-6) might be even more
effective.
Research studies clearly show DHA supplementation
can play an important role in
avoiding and confronting the cause of
memory loss and cognitive decline associated
with our aging population.
Indication of the value of DHA supplementation
to the health of the aging brain overwhelmingly
suggests it should be considered
as an imperative to the nutritional health of
any individual over the age of 50. One study
in particular considered the role of essential
fatty acids supplementation of the neuronal
membrane in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) sufferers.
In a study of 100 AD patients, 60 were
given a fatty acid compound in a 1:4 ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Forty
patients were the placebo control group on
the four-week double-blind study. Results
showed that treated patients seemed to
improve in the following aspects: they were
better able to remember their way around the
house, they were more cooperative, they were
in a better mood, their appetite improved
and they were more organized. In addition, their short- and long-term memory were
improved, they complained less about sleep
disturbances and showed longer periods of
alertness during the day. Fewer treated
patients reported hallucinations and they
spoke more clearly.
EFAs in pregnancy and early human development
are vitally important structural elements
of cell membranes and therefore are
instrumental in the formation of new tissues.
DHA is essential to brain development in the
fetus and is enriched throughout the entire
brain cortex. The basic building material in
the brain is fat. Fifty percent to total fatty
acids in the body are concentrated in the
retina, adrenal glands and in the brain as DHA.
We also know that diets rich in omega-3
fatty acids, especially EFA and DHA, are important
in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
They help keep the arteries clear and
platelets less sticky by helping to lower total
blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels and
blood pressure levels. They are also important
in reducing the risk of arrhythmia and heart
attacks in high-risk populations. TH
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