Differential Effects Between the Omega-3, Brain, and Age

Title: Dietary (n-3) Fatty Acids and Brain Development

Author: Sheila M. Innis

Link: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/137/4/855.short    

Summary: DHA, also known as docosahexaenoic acid [22:6(n-3)], is known for being the main provider to the biological system from (n-3) fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential dietary nutrients that supports the nervous tissues to allow them to function properly and grow. The fatty acids can be metabolized through the process of Delta-6 desaturation and Delta-5 desaturation in the endoplastmic reticulum (ER). From EPA to DHA the process requires two sequential elongnations of EPA (24:6(n-3)). Insufficient dietary of (n-3) fatty acids produces increased desaturation in (n-6) DPA (Docasepentaenoic acid). Consuming ALA converts to low amounts of DHA in humans (<1% dietary ALA). With these proofs, it is suggested to consume straight DHA foods instead of alternative fatty-acid foods (ALA & EPA (n-3)). The dietary DHA is absorbed terrifically to the plasma and blood cell lipids. Understanding this gives an hypothesis to how it applies to the theory of affecting the brain. Autopsies performed on infants demonstrates ~15% less brain cortex DHA who took formulas that contained no DHA compared to the ones who did.There are hypothesis that the lipid-bound DHA in membrane bilayers plays a role with the synapses of the brain. The functions with hydrophobic properties limits to activities such as intense flexibility and interaction with membrane proteins. Therefore, this affects the speed of signal transduction, neurotransmission, and lipid rafts. This gives the theory that excess amounts of DHA can be used to enhance neuron synapses making way for quicker reaction. And insufficient amounts of DHA may open doors for premature brain development and begin the genesis of brain disorders.

Connection: The journal ties between all types of ages delving from the study of infants to fully grown adults. Predictions made from this journal also provide hypothesis on how quick reaction time can help athletes. We have done some shallow research already on how DHA affects athletes and this journal supports the other article on a molecular level. This also ties in with someone else's early articles about omega-3 and cognitive correlations.