New models to measure the synthesis of docosahexaenoic acid from dietary alpha-linolenic acid: relevance for brain homeostasis

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The brain requires an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA to maintain normal brain function. We can supply the brain with DHA from fish, however there is much concern about the sustainability of Canadian and global fish stocks. We can also consume an omega-3 fatty acid from plants and convert it to DHA in our liver. Whether or not the amount of DHA we can make from plant omega-3 is enough for the brain is not known. Our studies will define what percentage of brain DHA we can get from plant omega-3. We are going to compare new methods to measure the synthesis of DHA with methods used in humans and gold standard methods. Canada is a major producer of plant sources of omega-3 (canola, soybean and flax). These sustainable, renewable plant sources of omega-3 may be sufficient to maintain normal brain function.