DHA: Fat for Life

Docosahexaenoic acid, commonly known as DHA, is an essential fatty-acid (EFA). The other members of the essential fatty acid family include: eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA), and gamma linolenic acid (GLA). They are termed "essential" as they cannot be manufactured by the body from other sources - the same applies to essential amino acids and vitamins. The modern diet is lacking in the essential nutrients of EPA and DHA.

Much of the population believes that fats are "bad" as they have been told that by media and by weight loss propaganda. Yet, fats compose the majority of every cells plasma membrane - the true "brain" of the cell - and also serve as means of energy, communication, and insulation. Fats, especially the essential fatty-acids, are widely misunderstood.

DHA is an extremely important nutrient as it is vital for brain and neural development. DHA promotes nerve growth factor and is needed for nerve cell elongation. In addition to promoting the growth and functional development of the brain and nervous system, DHA is required for maintaining the normal functions of the brain and nervous system. Due to its high value, DHA is taken up by the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) more than any other fatty acid.

DHA also has strong medical applications since its dietary presence has been linked to the prevention of many human conditions, including heart disease and cancer. DHA significantly alters many basic properties of the cellular membranes: elasticity, permeability, fluidity, and protein activity.

DHA deficiencies are associated with:

• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia
• Depression
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Alzheimer's
• Dementia
• Schizophrenia
• Cognitive impairments
• Phenylketonuria
• Behavioral problems

More than just being an essential nutrient, DHA has demonstrated dramatic improvements when supplemented with conditions of autism, eczema, visual dysfunctions, allergies, aggression, bipolar disorder, asthma, and strengthening of the immune system.

One of my best stories from my practice about DHA supplementation comes from a patient that was experiencing symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) - numbness on one side of the body with associated muscle weakness - the symptoms were very sporadic in location and occurrence. The patient was a few months pregnant and disturbed by the symptoms - no other physician could explain her condition. After some thorough Applied Kinesiology testing, DHA insufficiency was determined. Her body was becoming deficient in DHA due to the developing infant stealing all of the DHA for proper development. This situation caused a deterioration of neuronal myelination - causing symptoms of numbness and weakness. She began a very high dose of DHA supplementation - higher than I have ever recommended. Within a couple of days, the symptoms that were similar to presentations of multiple sclerosis and transient ischemic attacks began to subside. Within six weeks, all symptoms were gone and she reported more energy and a more healthy pregnancy.

This experience reaffirmed to me the importance of proper consumption of all of the essential fatty-acids, especially DHA as the central nervous system readily absorbs and utilizes it. Proper DHA levels allow the body to function properly.