Does algae oil DHA affect the brain?
Does algae oil DHA affect the brain?
What is algae oil DHA?
DHA algae oil is extracted from algae species such as Schizochytrium sp., Ulkenia amoeboida, or Crypthecodinium cohnii. It is an important component of brain cell membranes, participates in the formation and development of brain cells, plays an important role in the extension of nerve cell axons and the formation of new protrusions, can maintain the normal physiological activities of nerve cells, and participate in the brain thinking and memory formation process.
Algae oil DHA, also known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is vital to the human body and an important member of the Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid family. The main component of algae oil DHA is DHA, a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid that has many benefits for human health.
Algae oil DHA is mainly extracted from marine microalgae, and DHA is synthesized by microalgae's own fermentation, rather than through the food chain. This makes algae oil DHA safer than fish oil DHA, and its EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) content is very low.
DHA is a major element for the growth and maintenance of nervous system cells and is essential for the development of the brain and retina. DHA is present in the human cerebral cortex at up to 20%, and is found in the retina of the eye at a maximum of about 50%. It is a major element for the growth and maintenance of nervous system cells.
What are the sources and methods of extracting DHA from algae oil?
Extraction source
Algae oil DHA is mainly extracted from seaweed. This practice is environmentally friendly and sustainable because seaweed can grow naturally and does not face the problem of overfishing like fish.
Extraction method
Traditional extraction method
The traditional DHA production process is mainly extracted from fish oil, but this method has disadvantages such as unstable source and fishy smell. Therefore, researchers and companies began to study and scale up the production of DHA by microbial fermentation.
Microbial fermentation method
Microbial fermentation is one of the main methods for modern production of DHA algae oil. The specific steps include:
Fermentation culture: First, the algae cells are inoculated in the activation culture medium for activation culture, and then inoculated in the fermentation culture medium for fermentation.
Wall breaking extraction: After the fermentation is completed, the cells are collected through the separation system, and the wall is broken by high-pressure homogenization using physical methods such as high-pressure homogenizer.
Extraction separation: The broken bacterial sludge is added to water, and the feed liquid is separated by a three-phase separator after stirring to obtain DHA oil. It can also be further extracted and purified by CO2 supercritical extraction.
Refining and processing: Finally, high-purity DHA algae oil is obtained through alkali refining, degumming, decolorization and other steps.
What are the functions of algae oil DHA?
1. Promote brain development and optimize function
DHA is an important structural fatty acid in the brain and retina, and plays an important role in the development of the brain and vision of infants and young children. Studies have shown that supplementing DHA from the fetal period can play a positive role in promoting the baby's brain development, thereby improving the baby's intelligence and memory.
Algae oil DHA supports brain development by regulating the differentiation and proliferation of neurons, and may optimize brain function by affecting synaptic plasticity. It can also increase the connection density and information transmission efficiency between neurons, thereby improving information processing speed and accuracy, and promoting cognitive ability.
2. Nervous system development
Algae oil DHA is a very important polyunsaturated fatty acid for the human body, especially for the development and maintenance of the nervous system. It is considered "brain gold" because it is a nutrient that is very necessary for the development of the brain and optic nerves. Supplementing DHA can have a positive effect on the brain's neurotransmission, signal transduction and cell function.
3. Maintain healthy vision
DHA is an important component of retinal cells and has a positive effect on maintaining retinal function and preventing eye diseases. Algae oil DHA promotes the growth of retinal cells and maintains their structural integrity, which helps the development and maintenance of vision and reduces the risk of vision loss.
4. Improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health
Algae oil DHA can reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, and has a certain positive effect on the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In addition, it can also reduce the cholesterol level in the blood and prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
5. Anti-inflammatory and mood regulation
Algae oil DHA has a certain anti-inflammatory effect, which can reduce the production of inflammatory mediators and may be helpful for the auxiliary treatment of some inflammatory diseases. In addition, DHA also has a certain effect on mood regulation.
6. Maintain cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health
DHA can reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, and has a positive effect on the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
How does algae oil DHA promote brain development?
DHA is a key component of brain cell structure and accounts for about 10% of brain fat. It plays an active role in nerve conduction, signal transmission and cell function. Therefore, sufficient DHA supplementation is essential for the normal development and function of the brain.
In infancy and childhood, DHA is particularly important for the development of the brain and retina. Studies have shown that pregnant and lactating women and infants can benefit their children's cognitive, language and vision development by supplementing DHA. For adults, DHA is also beneficial to brain health. Appropriate supplementation of DHA can improve brain function and has a certain preventive effect on Alzheimer's disease caused by aging brain cells.
In what fields is algae oil DHA used?
Health food field
As a nutritional enhancer, algae oil DHA has a wide range of applications in the field of health food. It can be added to various foods, such as cooking products, yogurt and liquid dairy products, various snack foods and DHA functional fortified foods. As people's understanding of DHA's health care and disease prevention functions deepens, the application of algae oil DHA in the field of health food is in a stage of continuous expansion and development.
Cosmetic field
In addition, algae oil DHA is also used in the field of cosmetics. It can be added to cosmetics as an ingredient to improve skin health and appearance.
Medical field
Algae oil DHA also has a good application trend in the field of medicine. It can be used to prepare drugs, such as DHA algae oil cod liver oil soft capsules, which can affect the immune regulation function of mice.
