docosahexaenoic acid

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consisting of a 22-carbon chain with six cis double bonds. It is a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina, playing a vital role in neural and visual development. DHA is primarily obtained through dietary sources like fish oil and microalgae or synthesized from alpha-linolenic acid. Pharmacologically, it acts as a pleiotropic signaling molecule that modulates inflammation and lipid metabolism by serving as an agonist for the G-protein coupled receptor FFAR4 (GPR120) and nuclear receptors such as PPARs and RXR-alpha. It is also a precursor to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) like D-series resolvins. DHA is widely used in infant formula to support neurodevelopment and in clinical settings to manage hypertriglyceridemia and potentially treat sickle cell disease by improving erythrocyte membrane fluidity and reducing vaso-occlusive crises.

Brand names

DHASCODHASCO-SDHASCO-B

Other names

DHAcervonic acidall-cis-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acidomega-3 fatty acidomega3 fatty acidomega 3 fatty acid