DHA has important free radical scavenging properties and protects against per oxidative damage of lipids and proteins in developing and adult brains, with attenuation of neuron loss and cognitive and locomotor deficits
DHA accretion relative brain weight is greatest during fetal development and early infancy, it is generally considered that this reflects a critical time during which deficiency of DHA may have long-term consequences for later brain function.
DHA is important for human brain development. The events in which DHA fulfills its essential roles, including neurotransmission, neurogenesis, and protection from oxidative stress are relevant throughout the lifespan and to maximizing cognitive potential in development and minimizing its loss with aging.
DHA enhanced neurite outgrowth of hippocampal and cortical neurons.