DHA-Who is likely to be deficient?

DHA-Who is likely to be deficient?

Premature infants who are not breast-fed are often DHA-deficient. A link has appeared between DHA deficiency and Alzheimer¡¯s disease; however, no evidence at this time indicates that supplementation with DHA will help Alzheimer¡¯s patients. Similarly, preliminary evidence shows that children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) have low DHA levels. However, no evidence demonstrates that DHA supplementation improves ADD. Preliminary evidence suggests that people with a variety of rare but related congenital diseases (Zellweger¡¯s syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, and infantile Refsum¡¯s disease) may be DHA-deficient, and may even benefit from DHA supplementation. Many doctors believe the diets of most people eating a Western diet do not provide optimal amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

At least four studies have reported a reduced blood level of omega-3 fatty acids in people with depression.