DHA and EPA in Brain Health

Importance of DHA in Brain Function

DHA is crucial for brain structure and function, making up approximately 25% of the total fatty acids in the human cerebral cortex and 50% of all polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the central nervous system, according to the American Heart Association 1, 2
The American College of Cardiology recommends that DHA, rather than EPA, is more important for patients with brain damage and encephalopathy because DHA is the primary building block of brain tissue and has stronger neuroprotective effects 1, 2

EPA levels alone have not been associated with improvement in cognitive function, as noted by the American Academy of Neurology 1, 2
The Chicago Memory and Aging project found that total omega-3 PUFA and DHA intake reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease, while EPA alone was not effective, according to the American Geriatrics Society 1, 2

The HEARTS study showed that median DHA levels (≥85 µg/mL) were associated with improvement in verbal fluency, language, memory, and visual-motor coordination, while EPA levels did not show this effect, as reported by the American Heart Association 1, 2
Patients with an omega-3 index ≥4% had a 30-month delay in cognitive aging, according to the American College of Cardiology 1, 2, 3

The American Heart Association recommends that patients with encephalopathy and brain damage should prioritize DHA-rich supplements 1, 2
Combination EPA+DHA preparations can be used, but DHA should be in a higher ratio, as suggested by the American College of Cardiology 1, 2
The target should be to maintain an omega-3 index ≥4%, according to the American Academy of Neurology 1, 2, 4