Aleksandra Karmańska, Marcin Cieślak, Wojciech Owczarek, Bolesław Tomasz Karwowski

The role of docosahexaenoic acid in neuronal development and the importance of DHA supplementation during pregnancy
2023-10-26

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, which include acids from the omega-3 and omega-6 groups, play an important role in the human body. The omega-3 family of acids includes -linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The main sources of -linolenic acid in the diet are vegetable oils (the largest amounts are found in flax seed oil and chia oil), nuts, while docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids are fish and marine algae. Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA) are crucial for proper prenatal brain development, as well as children’s behavioral and intellectual development. This extremely important function of DHA is due to the stimulation of cellular processes important for proper neuronal development and function. High concentrations of DHA are found in the phospholipids of the retina, the membranes of brain-building cells, and are essential for normal vision as well as neuronal development. The neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects attributed to DHA may be related to the activity of DHA’s metabolite N-docosahexaenoyl ethanolamine (synaptamide). Synaptamide (SA) is synthesized in the brain, retina, adipocytes or macrophages and is a more potent stimulator of synaptogenesis compared to DHA. The fetal demand for DHA is significantly increased during the third trimester of pregnancy. An important determinant of normal fetal blood levels of DHA is the mother’s diet. In published studies, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and preterm labor. Pregnant women should consume adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids by providing them with their diet (e.g., vegetable oils, marine fish) and/or in the form of supplements (fish oil or preparations containing docosahexaenoic acid derived from marine algae. Higher intake of DHA-rich marine fish has been correlated with a lower incidence of postpartum depression in mothers.

The aim of the article is to describe the biosynthesis, food sources and the recommended daily intake of DHA, with particular emphasis on pregnant women. In addition, the effects of DHA and synaptamide in the neurogenesis and their role in the proper functioning of the brain are discussed.

Keywords: polyunsaturated fatty acids, neurogenesis, desaturases, docosahexaenoic acid DHA.

© Farm Pol, 2023, 79(6): 335–345