Role of the unsaturated fatty Docosahexaenoic acid in the central nervous system: molecular and cellular insights.

Fatty acids are essential components of the nervous system. Within the fatty acids, it is the DHA, a key molecule for the neurons’ functions.

Where is the DHA? We mainly can obtain DHA from our diet: shellfish, oils, fish, and breast milk.

What does DHA do? Its main functions are cell survival and differentiation, maintenance of the cell membrane, aiding the connections between our neurons, and pain control.

What happens if there is low DHA? Restricted access to fatty acids and DHA increases the risk of various nervous system disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, bipolar disorder, and depression.

How could DHA help in the treatment of the diseases? Various studies suggest an association between increased fish consumption and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and improvements in models of Parkinson’s disease.

In this bibliographic review by MiNusPain researchers Ana Petermann, Mauricio Reyna, Dr. Gonzalo Yévenes and Dr. Claudio Coddou, we will find the latest research carried out regarding DHA.

We invite you to read this interesting article!

Authors

Ana B. Petermann, Mauricio Reyna-Jeldes, Lorena Ortega, Claudio Coddou and Gonzalo E. Yévenes.