Application Notes:
This product is the methyl ester form of the naturally occurring docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and is an ideal standard for gas
chromatography. DHA is a major component of fish oils, animal phospholipids, and algae. Supplements of this acid are
widely popular due to possible improvements in cognitive and behavioral functions, sight defects, inflammation disorders,
and cancer.1 It is essential to many neurological functions and is present in very high levels in the mammalian brain, brain
synaptosomal plasma membranes and synaptic vesicles. It is essential for the early neural development of mammals2 and it
inhibits the rostaglandin synthase-cyclooxygenase enzymes. DHA is the precursor of the docosanoids, which have potent
anti-inflammatory and immuno-regulatory actions. In the retina it is a major structural component of the photoreceptor outer
segment membranes. DHA can depress prostaglandin E2 production and, along with EPA, has been shown to cause a
significant growth inhibition of human lung carcinoma.3
References:
1. F. Muskiet et al. “Is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Essential? Lessons from DHA Status Regulation, Our Ancient Diet, Epidemiology and Randomized
Controlled Trials” The Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 134 pp. 183-186, 2004
2. N. Salem et al. “Mechanisms of Actions of Docosahexaenoic Acid in the Nervous System” Lipids, Vol. 36:9 pp. 945-959, 2001
3. M. de Brava et al. “Effects of an Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acid Concentrate on a Human Lung Carcinoma Grown in Nude Mice” Lipids,
Vol. 26:11 pp. 866-870, 1991