As it relates to brain health, memory, focus, clarity, neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, DHA can be viewed as one of the best nootropics (brain-enhancing nutrients) in existence. Literally.
While there are many different nutrients, products and smart drugs out there, it is important to closely examine the fundamental needs of the human brain to understand why DHA is one of the strongest and most effective brain-enhancing nutrients known.
DHA has been shown to up regulate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as well as another growth factor called nerve growth factor (NGF). These are growth factors that help to maintain the connections between neurons and help in the creation of new neurons. Some refer to these proteins as “miracle grow” for the brain.
DHA also has been shown to help support the production of a compound called Synaptamide. Synaptamide (N-docosahexenoyethanolamine) is an anandamide-like compound that is synthesized from DHA in the brain and it helps to promote neurite growth, synaptogenesis and neurogenesis in developing neurons. In other words, for Synaptamide to be produced at healthy levels, DHA needs to be present.
DHA also has been shown to modulate the expression of several different genes in the brain and nervous system, and in particular, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
The SCN is commonly known as the “brain’s pacemaker” because of its ability to help regulate hormones in conjunction with the cycles of light and darkness and helps to set and balance our circadian rhythm.
DHA is also incorporated into the rods and cones in the retina of the eye and it is the photons from the sun that hit the retina and are converted to an electrical signal that the brain can then read.