Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid and its bioavailability: A review

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the predominant omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid found in human brain and eyes. There are a number of studies in the literature showing the health benefits of DHA. It is critical throughout all life stages from the need for fetal development, the prevention of preterm birth, and the prevention of cardiovascular disease to the improvements in the cognitive function and the eye health of adults and elderly. These benefits might be related to the modulation of gut microbiota by DHA. In addition, there are some discrepancies in the literature regarding certain health benefits of DHA, and this review is intended to explore and understand these discrepancies. Besides the variations in the DHA contents of different supplement sources, bioavailability is crucial for the efficacy of DHA supplements, which depends on several factors. For example, DHA in phospholipid and triglyceride forms are more readily to be absorbed by the body than that in ethyl ester form. In addition, dietary lipids in meals and emulsification of DHA oil can increase the bioavailability of DHA. Estrogens stimulated the biosynthesis of DHA, whereas testosterone stimulus induced a decrease in DHA. The roles of DHA through human lifespan, the sources, and its recommended daily intake in different countries are also discussed to provide a better understanding of the importance of this review.