Arachidonic acid, or ARA, is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid (PUFA) found throughout the body. It is the primary omega-6 fatty acid in the brain, representing about 48% of the omega-6 fats found there.1,2,3,4 Dietary sources of ARA include meat, poultry and eggs. In early life, breast milk is the dietary source of ARA (as well as DHA)5, as it always contains both ARA and DHA. Interestingly, ARA levels in breast milk are relatively stable regardless of the mothers’ diet, suggesting ARA’s biological importance in the developing infant.6,7
ARA and DHA are considered conditionally essential nutrients during early life8 and play key roles in the structure and function of human tissues, immune function, and brain and retinal development during gestation and infancy.9,10,11 Dietary sources of ARA and DHA are required to maintain ARA and DHA status in infants and young children due to poor conversion from their fatty acids precursors, linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) respectively.12,13,14 A balance of ARA and DHA in the cell membrane is important as this impacts function of the cell. Although DHA and ARA have discreetly different functions, their metabolism and functional activity are intertwined, with health benefits best characterized together.15,16
Nelson Dellis, 4-time USA Memory Champion and adventure sport athlete, shares what a typical day looks like for this athlete. Nutrition is an important part of his daily routine and his training program. Brain Armor with life’sOMEGA vegetarian DHA and EPA omega-3s help to support his journey. Read More
A nutritious diet is essential for every mother-to-be as nutritional deficiencies are common during pregnancy, but for the vegetarian mamma, it is even more important. Learn about four key nutrients for a healthy vegetarian pregnancy from award-winning dietitian Melanie McGrice, AdvAPD. Read More
Although a vegetarian diet tends to be more protective against heart disease compared to a traditional Western diet, some risk factors for heart disease are increased. So, as a vegetarian, it’s still essential to consider your heart health. Read More
Many mothers are caring for more people than just their children, they’re also caring for their parents who need to maintain healthy habits throughout the second half of their lives. If you’re a caregiver, read on to learn how an important nutrient – omega-3s – can help support your loved ones’ health. Read More
The <i>life’sDHA</i> brand sat down with Nelson Dellis, memory champion and author of the new book “Remember It! The Names of People You Meet, All of Your Passwords, Where You Left Your Keys and Everything Else You Tend to Forget” to learn what a day in the life of a memory master looks like, and how we can help support our memories on a daily basis. Read More
