Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have developed a new form of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
It can cross into the eye’s retina and help prevent visual declines related to Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and other disorders.
DHA is a type of fatty acid that is essential for healthy brain and eye development, and it is commonly found in fish oil capsules and other supplements.
However, the form of DHA found in supplements is typically in a form called triacylglycerol (TAG) DHA, which is unable to travel from the bloodstream into the retina.
For this reason, researchers have created a new lysophospholipid form of DHA, or LPC-DHA, which can effectively increase DHA levels in the retina and reduce eye problems associated with Alzheimer’s-like processes.
DHA is an important component of the retina, where it helps to maintain photoreceptor cells that convert light into signals sent to the brain.
A deficiency of DHA in the retina has been linked to vision loss.
People with Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, and peroxisomal disorders commonly have abnormally low levels of retinal DHA, which leads to visual impairments.
Previous studies have shown that increasing DHA levels can help to prevent declines in visual function related to these conditions.
However, boosting retinal DHA content has been a challenge with currently available supplements, as DHA must first be absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream and then cross from the bloodstream into the retina.
The researchers found that the new LPC-DHA supplement was able to overcome both the intestinal and blood-retinal barriers to improve retinal function.
The team conducted tests on mice bred to exhibit processes similar to those found in early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
They found that mice fed LPC-DHA supplements daily showed a 96% improvement in retinal DHA content, as well as preserved retinal structure and function.
In contrast, TAG-DHA supplements had no effect on retinal DHA levels or function.
The results suggest that LPC-DHA supplements could help prevent Alzheimer’s-related declines in visual function and may be helpful for other disorders in which DHA deficiency and vision impairment are common.
The dosage of LPC-DHA used in the study is equivalent to about 250 to 500 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per day in humans.
Further studies would be needed to confirm that LPC-DHA is safe and effective for use in humans.
The findings provide hope for the development of new treatments to prevent or mitigate retinal dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids because the human body cannot produce them on its own and must obtain them through diet or supplements.
They are found in high concentrations in fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, and tuna, as well as in some plant sources, such as flaxseeds and walnuts.
The two main types of omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids have a range of health benefits, including improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and boosting brain function.
Specifically, studies have shown that EPA and DHA can lower triglycerides, decrease blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
In addition, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improvements in cognitive function and a decreased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, and higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and coconut oil could help improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s.
The study was conducted by Sugasini Dhavamani et al and presented at Discover BMB.
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