DHA
is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is found in tissues of
marine animals. It
is converted to EPA in humans.
DHA competes with arachidonic acid for inclusion in
cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways (substances responsible
for inflammation). This
competition may be responsible for its anti-inflammatory effect.
It
reduces serum triglycerides (important in coronary artery
disease). Increases
fasting insulin and glucose concentrations(important for
diabetes). It
increases HDL (good cholesterol) by about 12 percent.
It has an additive affect in reducing symptoms associated
with schizophrenia and recurrent unipolar depressive disorder.
The ethyl form of EPA is especially effective in depression (1gm
twice a day). It
slows weight loss in cachectic cancer patients. There is some
evidence that suggests it to be helpful in prostate cancer.
It
plays a key role in neural and synaptic membranes.
These functions play a key role in learning and memory
function. It is
essential in healthy neurological development of infants.
It is found in breast milk but not in standard infant
formula. Supplementation
is recommended for pregnant women beginning at week 15
(1.2gm-2gms/day).
It
has been recommended for age-related macular degeneration,
coronary disease, psoriasis(as an IV injection), hyperlipidemia,
ADD, Alzheimer's. May
also be beneficial in Multiple Sclerosis for its
anti-inflammatory activity as well as its role in healthy
neurological function.
The
standard total Omega-3 fatty acid dose is 1800mg per day.
It usually comes as a combination of EPA 350mg/DHA 200mg.
It
is now well known that many of our diseases are in part a result
of or are exacerbated by inflammation.
Poor diets (high in saturated fatty acids and high
glycemic index foods) as well as lack of adequate exercise play
a significant role in the increase in inflammation in our
bodies. Inflammation
is a healthy response of the body to injury, but is problematic
when it becomes chronic inflammation artificially produced by
poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.
This inflammation affects our muscles, our vascular
system and our neurological system, as well as our organs.
Omega-3 fatty acids seem to block the inflammation
pathway and help minimize subsequent damage. In addition to
taking Omega-3's you should also minimize high glycemic foods in
your diet. These
include processed foods such as white sugar, white bread, pasta,
etc. When we ingest
high glycemic foods our pancreases release insulin and insulin
is involved in a wide range of hormonal cascades which in turn
cause inflammation.