Docosahexaenoic acid
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina. It can be synthesized from alpha-linolenic acid or obtained directly from maternal milk (breast milk), fish oil, or algae oil.
Pronunciation
Docosahexaenoic acid is pronounced as /ˌdoʊkoʊsəˌheksəɪˈnoʊɪk ˈæsɪd/.
Etymology
The term "Docosahexaenoic acid" comes from the Greek word "Dokosa" which means 22, and "hexaenoic" which means six double bonds. The "acid" part of the name refers to the presence of a carboxylic acid group.
Related Terms
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Omega-3 fatty acid
- Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)
Health Benefits
DHA has been associated with many health benefits, including improved heart health, better vision, and reduced inflammatory response. It is also crucial for brain development and function.
Sources of DHA
DHA is primarily found in animal products such as fish and eggs. However, it can also be synthesized in the body from alpha-linolenic acid, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid that is found in plants.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Docosahexaenoic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Docosahexaenoic acid
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