The role of the ω-3 fatty acid DHA in the human life cycle.

Dietary consumption of the essential fatty acids linoleic acid (LA; omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; omega-3) is necessary for human growth and development. In the past 150 years, the average Western diet has changed dramatically such that humans today consume a much higher proportion of omega-6 fatty acids relative to omega-3 fatty acids than ever before. The importance of omega-3 fatty acids in human development has been well established in fetal and neonatal development, with brain and retinal tissues highly dependent on omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for membrane fluidity and signal transduction. In childhood, omega-3s have been shown to contribute to ongoing cognitive development and may be involved in metabolic programming of bone turnover and adipogenesis. omega-3s may also play important roles in adult neurophysiology and disease prevention. (JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2013;37:15-22)