Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential fatty acid for the proper functioning of neuronal cells: Their role in mood disorders
Author
dc.contributor.author
Valenzuela Bonomo, Carlos
Admission date
dc.date.accessioned
2019-03-11T12:57:31Z
Available date
dc.date.available
2019-03-11T12:57:31Z
Publication date
dc.date.issued
2009
Cita de ítem
dc.identifier.citation
Grasas y Aceites, Volumen 60, Issue 2, 2018, Pages 203-212
Identifier
dc.identifier.issn
00173495
Identifier
dc.identifier.issn
19884214
Identifier
dc.identifier.other
10.3989/gya.085208
Identifier
dc.identifier.uri
https://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/164750
Abstract
dc.description.abstract
The brain and the nervous system are tissues with high contents of two polyunsaturated fatty acids: arachidonic acid (20:4, omega-6, AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, omega-3, DHA). Despite their abundance in these tissues, AA and DHA cannot be re-synthesized in mammals. However, the concentration of these fatty acids can be modulated by dietary intake. AA and DHA must be provided by the diet as such (preformed) or through the respective omega-6 and omega-3 precursors from vegetable origin. Linoleic acid, the precursor of AA is very abundant in the western diet and therefore the formation of AA from linoleic acid is not restrictive. On the other hand, alpha linolenic acid, the precursor of DHA is less available in our diet and preformed DHA is highly restrictive in some populations. During the last period of gestation and during the early post natal period, neurodevelopment occurs exceptionally quickly, and significant amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, espec