[Importance of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Functions and recommendations for its ingestion in infants]

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with multiple functions, although these are still under study. The development of visual and neurological functions have been demonstrated in premature infants and neonates, however, its effects are still being studied in certain chronic neurological diseases, and inflammatory and metabolic disorders. The DHA requirements are not fixed but recommendations must be based on an intake similar to the composition of breastfeeding, and in older children and during pregnancy and lactation, to ensure consumption of oily fish at least twice a week. It is essential to recognise the need for supplementation of this fatty acid in some diseases that require restricted diet, and in metabolic alterations resulting in a deficiency, but also know the scientific evidence on the effects produced in different situations. This review updates this information to propose an adequate intake of DHA at different ages and in different diseases.