This study recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition provides more evidence for the importance of essential fatty acids for brain function. In this case the authors are interested in the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on prefrontal cortex regulation of attention.

“Emerging evidence suggests that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n–3)…positively regulates cortical metabolic function and cognitive development…The objective was to determine the effects of DHA supplementation on functional cortical activity during sustained attention in human subjects.”

After giving the randomly assigned test cohort DHA supplements they compared cortical activation patterns during sustained attention with those given placebo by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

What did their data show?

“At 8 wk, erythrocyte [red blood cell] membrane DHA composition increased significantly from baseline in subjects who received low-dose (by 47%) or high-dose (by 70%) DHA but not in those who received placebo (–11%). During sustained attention, both DHA dose groups had significantly greater changes from baseline in activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex than did the placebo group…The erythrocyte DHA composition was positively correlated with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation…”

That last phrase is especially important: DHA is not the only fatty acid that is important for neuronal (brain cell) function. EPA, arachadonic acid and others also play important roles. How do we know with certainty whether someone needs supplementation, which fatty acid should it be, and how much? The Essential Fatty Acid Profile measures the red blood cell membrane content of fatty acids (and is equivalent to the neuronal membrane composition) that we use is the lab technology used by these investigators.

The authors’ conclusion:

“Dietary DHA intake and associated elevations in erythrocyte DHA composition are associated with alterations in functional activity in cortical attention networks during sustained attention in healthy boys.”

For any brain-related disorder we need to objectively answer the questions “What is the brain fatty acid composition? Are there any deficiencies or imbalances? Is supplementation indicated?” When needed, the correct fatty acid supplementation can result in dramatic improvements.