Characterization of docosahexaenoic acid brain uptake and metabolism after consumption of different dietary forms

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Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that is highly enriched in the brain. DHA plays a crucial role in brain development, neuronal survival, and it can't be synthesized from scratch by our body. It is recommended to consume DHA in the diet where it is almost exclusively found in fish. However, there is not enough DHA available from fish stocks to meet global dietary recommendations. DHA can be consumed in two main dietary forms: phospholipids or triglycerides. Some studies suggest that DHA as a phospholipid would be more efficient for enriching the brain than DHA as a triglyceride. However, there are different types of phospholipids and they might not all be equal in terms of absorption and transport to the brain. Therefore, using rat and mouse models, our objective is to compare different forms of phospholipid DHA on the basis of their efficiency to enrich the brain with DHA. Rats will ingest different forms of DHA tracers, either acutely or chronically, and brain enrichment will be assessed. In subsequent studies, we will feed the selected DHA phospholipids as supplements to adult or developing mice and characterize the differences in brain metabolism between the DHA forms. The results of these studies will help us characterize which form of DHA is the best, per dose, to enrich the brain. By answering this question, we will contribute to a better understanding of the basic mechanisms that regulate DHA metabolism.