Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important structural
constituent of membranes specifically in the brain and eye. DHA makes up 30% of
the brain and 50% of the retina’s structure. Its accumulation in the fetal
brain takes place mainly during the last trimester of pregnancy and continues
at very high rates up to the end of the second year of life [1]. In infants,
DHA is important for optimal visual and cognitive development.
The period from birth to 2 years of age is considered the
primary growth phase for the human brain when measured in terms of brain
weight. However, certain areas of the brain are not fully developed by the age
of two, and development, as well as growth, continues throughout childhood and
adolescence. Myelination of brain frontal lobes begins as early as 6 months of
age and continues throughout childhood and adolescence with spurts of
development identified at 2 years of age, 7–9 years of age, and during mid-adolescence.
DHA is vital for the myelination of frontal lobes and their development.
DHA-rich frontal lobes are thought to be responsible for executive and
higher-order cognitive activities such as planning, problem-solving, and
focused attention [2].
The prefrontal cortex is where the development of high-level
cognitive function corresponds to a child‘s social, emotional, and behavioural
development. Many components, of the diet, are known to affect cognition and
influence learning. DHA is the principal omega-3 fatty acid in brain grey
matter representing about 15% of all fatty acids in the human frontal cortex
and is known to affect neurotransmitter pathways, synaptic transmission, and
signal transduction. Its multiple double bonds and unique structure allow DHA
to impart a disorder to membranes which allows for effective cell signalling
[2].
Like the brain, eyes are highly enriched with omega-3 fatty
acids, which accumulate in these tissues during late fetal and early neonatal
life. Very high levels of DHA are present in the retina, specifically in the
disk membranes of the outer segments of photoreceptor cells. Therefore, DHA is
vital for optimal eye health in Children [3].
The usual intake of DHA among toddlers and children is low
and the endogenous formation of DHA also seems to be relatively low. Some
studies show improvements in cognition and behavior as the result of
supplementation with DHA [2].
Indian children are often found to be deficient in vitamins,
micro-nutrients, and protein – but what about DHA in Kids? DHA has emerged as a
front-line nutrient as it plays an integral part in the development and
functionality of the brain, eyes, and heart. Its supplement is extremely
important to ensure the healthy development of your child’s brain and eyes.
There is a raft of research confirming the role of DHA in
IQ, memory, learning, behavior, mood, and eyesight, among various other
benefits – outlining supplementation as perhaps the single most important
nutrient during the growth of your child.
Our Formulation
Ovegha Kids is a plant-based DHA (250mg) derived from the
primary source of microalgae.
Mode of Action:
The developing brain or hippocampal neurons take up DHA and
incorporates it into membrane phospholipids resulting in neurite outgrowth,
synaptogenesis, and neurogenesis. DHA enhances synaptic plasticity by
increasing synaptic protein expression, dendritic spine density, long-term
potentiation, and neurogenesis in the hippocampus for learning and memory
processing [5].
Enhances dendritic spine levels and cognitive functions [5].
DHA is necessary for the proper formation of phospholipids
which are an essential component of the cell membrane [5].
Regeneration of rhodopsin [4].
Significantly increase cellular choline uptake in human
retinal cells [6].
Increase the fluidity of cell membranes and improves their
ability to release neurotransmitters, therefore, promoting cell signaling.
Reference:
1. Lauritzen, Lotte, et al. "DHA effects in brain
development and function." Nutrients 8.1 (2016): 6.
2. Kuratko, Connye N., et al. "The relationship of
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with learning and behavior in healthy children: a
review." Nutrients 5.7 (2013): 2777-2810.
3. Hodge W, Barnes D, Schachter HM, et al. Effects of
Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Eye Health: Summary. 2005 Jul. In: AHRQ Evidence Report
Summaries. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US);
1998-2005. 117.
4. Querques, Giuseppe, Raimondo Forte, and Eric H. Souied.
"Retina and omega-3." Journal of nutrition and metabolism 2011
(2011).
5. Tanaka, Kazuhiro, et al. "Effects of docosahexaenoic
acid on neurotransmission." Biomolecules & therapeutics 20.2 (2012):
152-157.
6. Mun, Jonathan G., et al. "Choline and DHA in
maternal and infant nutrition: synergistic implications in brain and eye
health." Nutrients 11.5 (2019): 1125.
