Docosahexaenoic acid

• DHA ( docosahexaenoic acid)
• ( 4Z, 7Z, 10Z, 13Z, 16Z, 19Z ) - docosa 4,7,10,13,16,19 - hexaenoic acid
• Cervonic
• 22:6 ( ω -3) ( lipid Name )

Yellowish liquid

Liquid

-44 ° C

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. It belongs to the class of omega-3 fatty acids.

Occurrence

Docosahexaenoic acid is produced by photosynthetic and heterotrophic microalgae and occurs in all living things that feed on these algae. If you feed chicken house with these algae containing eggs according to DHA. The higher up the food chain, the higher the concentration of DHA. The most common reason fat saltwater fish such as salmon (Salmo salar) or Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus ) as a food source for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA ) and DHA are called.

The person is able to synthesize DHA. The starting material is α -linolenic acid ( ALA), which is classified at the same time as essential. Studies show that about 5-10% of the recorded α -linolenic acid to EPA and 2-5 % is converted to DHA. Other studies speak of conversion rate to EPA and DHA is less than 5 %. One study concludes that the conversion rate is ALA to DHA in infants equal to 1%, in adults under 1%. An increase in DHA levels in the blood by additional supplementation of ALA, EPA or other precursors is negated by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids ( ISSFAL ).

Properties

Docosahexaenoic acid is a colorless oil. The six double bonds are in the cis-form.

Biological Function

Docosahexaenoic acid has held important metabolic functions. Suitable fatty acid components of phospholipids, it is an integral component of membranes, in particular of neurons. For example, docosahexaenoic acid is particularly enriched in the brain and in the retina: Up to 97 percent of the omega -3 fatty acids in the brain and up to 93 percent of the omega -3 fatty acids in the retina composed of DHA. In contrast to EPA DHA may reduce blood pressure and heart rate. DHA is precursor of the biosynthesis of Docosatrienen, Resolvinen and Neuroprotectinen (so-called Docosanoide ).

Their biosynthesis in the animal organism is carried out starting from the essential omega -3 fatty acid α -linolenic acid on the also important for the metabolism of EPA. Age, disease, and stress as well as excessive intake of omega -6 fatty acids ( corn oil, sunflower oil, etc. ) affect additionally the conversion to docosahexaenoic acid, eg if you fry the dice the fish in sunflower oil. The storing amount therefore depends on the preparation. Regular consumption as fat saltwater fish, the so best steamed, baked or in omega-6 fatty acids, low- fat ( but not in fats that are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, as these when roasting a significant part in unhealthy trans be converted to fatty acids) are fried, improves the supply of these omega-3 fatty acids.

To the tissues in the human body, which synthesize docosahexaenoic acid include mammary ( breast ). DHA is found in breast milk but not in cow's milk, which may be a peculiarity of the human species: the infant receives through breast milk so additional docosahexaenoic acid for the construction of relatively large human brain as opposed to the amount that can synthesize the liver of the infant itself.

Nutritional Supplements

Since the intake of omega -3 fatty acids and, in particular docosahexaenoic acid in Europe is well below the recommendations, DHA is available in capsule form as well as docosahexaenoic acid fortified foods for some years. For the production of docosahexaenoic acid, there are two currently used industrially options: the processing of fish oils from fish waste fat saltwater fish and the biotechnological production by breeding docosahexaenoic acid forming the microscopic algae. Fish can produce this fatty acid itself. The recorded short-chain omega 3 fatty acids are metabolized by desaturases and Elongases to docosahexaenoic acid. Besides its own capacity of fish cells to synthesize fatty acids themselves, they accumulate beyond docosahexaenoic acid by the intake of docosahexaenoic acid -containing micro-algae and plankton.

An expert committee appointed by the EU advises pregnant women to a supply of at least 200 mg DHA per day, which should have a positive effect primarily on the development of the eye and brain functions of the unborn. Even to an adequate supply of DHA, especially in the first two years of life is advised. Meanwhile, put also some manufacturers of baby food their fish oil products in order to meet the needs of infants in omega -3 fatty acids, which are naturally present in breast milk.