News and Views from kSero
More on Omega-3 Fatty Acids: DHA and Optimal Brain Functioning	December 10, 2007
The following article is summarized by Molly Reams from the January 2008 issue of Life Extension magazine. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one very important component of omega-3 fatty acids, has an integral role in optimal brain functioning at all ages of life and plays an essential role in learning, memory, and behavior. Russell Blaylock, noted author and proponent of protecting brain health, has released a major article on DHA in the January 2008 issue of Life Extension magazine. DHA has the power to improve neurological functioning, and has been especially important in the brain development of infants, and in improving memory function in patients with Alzheimer's. LEARNING: A baby's brain has the most complex growth in the last trimester and the first two years of life. During this time, the brain is highly dependent on the mother's dietary intake of essential nutrients, such as DHA, during pregnancy. The average intake of omega-3's is between 100-200 mg/day, far less than the recommended 650mg/day. Multiple studies have shown the importance of increased DHA intake in babies as essential to healthy nervous system development and better brain function. Low levels of DHA can increase the risk for neurological abnormalities in infants. The question is, can developmental problems triggered by low levels of DHA be reversed? In recent studies, research has demonstrated that an omega-3 rich diet can promote gradual improvement in brain function. MEMORY: DHA recovery in the brain of an adult is also possible and may be critical in maintaining optimal memory function. It has been shown that a diet rich in DHA can reverse age-related memory impairment by restoring neurotransmitter release in the hippocampus region of the brain, which is associated with memory consolidation. DHA may also cause dendrite growth, which allows for greater cell signaling, and increasing cell fluidity. BEHAVIOR: A number of studies have shown a correlation between omega-3 diets and improvement in behavior, specifically in regards to depression, suicide risk, anxiety, aggression, and anger. Increasingly research is indicating a link between chronic brain inflammation and the rise in rates of occurrence of depression, anxiety disorders, anger dsycontrol, and insomnia. Chronic brain inflammation is also seen in post-traumatic stress disorder and post-partum depression. A diet rich in omega-3's has the potential to improve depression, and a number of other neuropsychological disorders, by reducing chronic brain inflammation. General guidelines from a number of authoritative sources: Healthy adults supplement their diet with 240-1000mg of DHA daily to protect their neurological health. Pregnant or nursing mothers take a minimum of 300 mg daily to promote optimal brain growth in their infants. Young children should take 150mg of DHA daily to promote health. Omega-3 oils are available in liquid form for young children who have difficulty swallowing pills. Comment by Dr. Hardwicke: At the kSero Center, DHA is one of the supplements recommended most often, because it is so severely lacking in the diet. kSero clients who have a variety of cognitive problems report substantial improvement, often in as little as two weeks. Clients with poor mood, mood swings, high distractibility, and mental fog frequently experience a great deal of reversal of negative symptoms with DHA/Omega-3 supplementation. I recommend a higher intake of DHA for therapeutic effects, with no adverse effects reported. Please note that these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and that the article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.