title: Biomarkers of DHA status.
abstract: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is a long chain omega-3 fatty acid that is the primary n-3 fatty acid found in the central nervous system where it plays both a structural and functional role in cells. Because the tissues of interest are generally inaccessible for fatty acid analysis in humans and because precise DHA intake is difficult to determine, surrogate biomarkers are important for defining DHA status. Analysis of total lipid extracts or phospholipids from plasma or erythrocytes by gas chromatography meet the criteria for a useful biomarker of DHA status. Furthermore, both plasma and erythrocyte DHA levels have been correlated with brain, cardiac, and other tissue levels. Use of these biomarkers of DHA status will enable future clinical trials and observational studies to define more precisely the DHA levels required for either disease prevention or other functional benefits.
authors: Martek Biosciences, Inc., 6480 Dobbin Road, Columbia, MD 21045, USA. ckuratko@martek.com
authors: Connye N
authors: CN
authors: Kuratko
authors: Norman
authors: N
authors: Salem
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000378:metabolism*; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D004041:Dietary Fats; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids