Docosahexaenoic acid: A valuable nutraceutical?

A high content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brain and retina is important for proper nervous system and visual functions. Although it is difficult to deplete the mammalian nervous system of its essential fatty acids, particularly in adults, a well-balanced intake of both omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) appears to be necessary for the satisfactory development of the brain and retina. Fish oil is rich in DHA, among other omega-3 PUFAs; thus, a sufficient intake of fish appears to be valuable from the nutritional and physiological point of view. Recently, considerable efforts have been directed towards the development of techniques for the large-scale production and concentration of DHA, and a number of the biotechnological methods appear particularly attractive.