What is
DHA?
DHA stands for DocosaHexaenoic Acid. It is an Omega-3 essential fatty acid, vital to the
development and maintenance of healthy brain and eye structure. DHA makes up about a
quarter of fatty acids in grey matter cell membranes and ensures that the synapses in the
brain are functioning properly so that messages between the brain cells are sent quickly
and clearly.
Why a
Brain Food campaign?
The campaign aims to highlight the low
levels of DHA in the UK diet and to encourage people to eat more DHA rich foods.
Which
foods?
 Rich sources of DHA are found in fish,
particularly oily fish, and offal, as well as in other meat. Unfortunately, over the last
fifty years, dietary intake of DHA has declined by up to 50 per cent in the UK. We are
eating less fish and offal, and the meat we eat is now lower in DHA, ironically owing to
better hygiene and the consequent changes in farming feeding practices. (Oily fish has
never been popular in the UK: 60 per cent of the population have never eaten any.)
How much
‘brain food’ should we eat?
The government recommends a daily intake
of 0.2g of Omega-3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) combined. EPA
and DHA are both needed if the body is to function properly, but DHA is regarded as the
more effective of the two. The current
average UK daily intake is 0.1g.
Are there
any people with special needs?
A review of recent studies has shown that
there is strong evidence that the incidence of dementia is higher in people who consume
low levels of DHA, and that DHA can help to maintain brain function in the elderly. Also,
it is thought that if older people take higher levels of DHA they might be able to
preserve their eye function. A recent paper published in the British Medical Journal
(2000) has established a definite link between oily fish consumption and a lower risk of
dementia.
Recent studies have shown that the DHA
requirements of pregnant women and the developing foetus are high, especially during the
last three months of pregnancy. The quantity of DHA contained in breast milk in the UK has
declined by up to 50 per cent over the last 15 years. The International Society for the
Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) recommends 0.3g per day for pregnant and
lactating women.
What’s
the best way to get DHA?
 Obviously, it pays to eat oily fish like herring,
sardines, mackeral once or twice a week, and a helping of liver or kidneys once a week
too. Also, look out for DHA-enriched foods. Nu-Mega Ingredients, a producer of natural DHA derived
from oily fish in Australia, has joined forces with Stonegate, a UK egg producer, to
launch what they call ‘Intelligent Eating Eggs’, that is, DHA-enriched eggs,
each of which contains 0.15g of DHA. These eggs will be available from supermarkets,
priced at £1.36 for six. Phone 01323 846565 for stockists and further details.
Nu-Mega Ingredients is also, in
conjunction with Warburtons, launching the ‘Good Health Loaf for Women’. This is
a new 400g white sliced loaf with chopped wheat and rye, enriched with approximately 30mg
DHA per 100g. The bread will also contain 52 per cent of the Recommended Daily Amounts of
folic acid, calcium and iron, with a reduced salt level. Though designed for pregnant
women, it may also be a useful source of DHA for those in later life. The product will be
available from supermarkets from this month. Phone 0800 843 684 for stockists and further
details.
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