DHA or Docosahexanoic Acid is the abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the brain and retina. It contains 40% of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the brain and 60% of the PUFAs in the retina. Up to a fifty percent of the weight of a neuron’s plasma membrane is composed of DHA. DHA is obtained either from the diet or in small amounts from eicosapentaenoic acid via docosapentaenoic acid as an intermediary.
In a study, researchers from the National Institute on Aging supported Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study and conducted a clinical trial comparing DHA and placebo over 18 months in 402 people (average age=76) diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Treatment with DHA increased blood levels of DHA, and appeared to increase brain DHA levels, based on a measured increase of DHA in study participants’ cerebro-spinal fluid.
Several studies have also found that consumption of fish, the primary dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline or dementia. There have been studies that have found that the consumption of DHA in particular, is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer disease. In all, most studies indicate that the consumption of DHA helps in maintaining brain health.
The deficiency of DHA is being studied because of its potential role in the decline of mental function in adults, indicated in a study from 2010 conducted at 19 U.S. clinical sites on 485 subjects aged 55 and older who met criteria for age-associated memory impairment. The study found algal DHA taken for six months decreased heart rate and improved cognition and learning-ability in healthy, older adults with mild memory problems. These findings indicate the importance of early DHA supplementation and provided a significant benefit to cognitive function in people of 50 years of age or older.
Presently, DHA is used in nutraceutical products that support optimal brain health for all age groups and especially for people who are 55 years and older. The increase in demand in the coming years for cognitive supplements in various markets is a potential opportunity.
Treatment with DHA increased blood levels of DHA, and appeared to increase brain DHA levels, based on a measured increase of DHA in study participants’ cerebro-spinal fluid.
Several studies have also found that consumption of fish, the primary dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline or dementia. There have been studies that have found that the consumption of DHA in particular, is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer disease. In all, most studies indicate that the consumption of DHA helps in maintaining brain health.
The deficiency of DHA is being studied because of its potential role in the decline of mental function in adults, indicated in a study from 2010 conducted at 19 U.S. clinical sites on 485 subjects aged 55 and older who met criteria for age-associated memory impairment. The study found algal DHA taken for six months decreased heart rate and improved cognition and learning-ability in healthy, older adults with mild memory problems. These findings indicate the importance of early DHA supplementation and provided a significant benefit to cognitive function in people of 50 years of age or older.
Presently, DHA is used in nutraceutical products that support optimal brain health for all age groups and especially for people who are 55 years and older. The increase in demand in the coming years for cognitive supplements in various markets is a potential opportunity.
Cognitive supplementation is not only targeted at an aging population but is also for a generation that is performance-oriented and gives a lot of importance to mental clarity and performance, needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced work environments.
Bio-gen Extracts manufactures Algal & Marine DHA , that we have been supplying to clients in various global markets. Our state-of-the art manufacturing facility is located in Dobaspet, Bangalore. To know more, write to sales@bio-gen.in and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Bio-gen Extracts manufactures Algal & Marine DHA , that we have been supplying to clients in various global markets. Our state-of-the art manufacturing facility is located in Dobaspet, Bangalore. To know more, write to sales@bio-gen.in and we’ll get back to you shortly.
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