docosahexaenoic acid
Definition
- Noun:
- An omega-3 fatty acid with 22 carbon atoms: A specific type of long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) characterized by a chain of 22 carbon atoms and six double bonds. It is an essential nutrient.
- A fatty acid found in fish: A primary dietary source of this compound is marine life, particularly fatty fish like tuna and bluefish.
Usage
- General Context: Used in scientific, nutritional, and medical contexts to refer to a specific nutrient.
- Common Collocations: "source of docosahexaenoic acid", "docosahexaenoic acid content", "supplement containing docosahexaenoic acid".
Examples
- Noun:
- Docosahexaenoic acid is crucial for brain development in infants.
- Salmon is rich in docosahexaenoic acid.
- The study examined the effects of dietary docosahexaenoic acid on heart health.
Advanced Usage
- "DHA": This is the standard and most common abbreviation for docosahexaenoic acid.
- Many infant formulas are now fortified with DHA.
Variants and Related Words
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): Another important long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, often mentioned alongside DHA.
- Fish oil supplements typically contain both EPA and DHA.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: The broader category of essential fatty acids to which docosahexaenoic acid belongs.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid, have anti-inflammatory properties.
Synonyms
- DHA: The universally accepted abbreviation and synonym.
- Cervonic acid: A less common alternative scientific name.
Related Phrases
- "DHA supplementation": The act of adding DHA to one's diet through supplements.
- DHA supplementation is recommended during pregnancy.
- "Marine-derived omega-3s": A phrase often used to describe DHA and EPA from fish and algae sources.
Noun
-
an omega-3 fatty acid with 22 carbon atoms; found in fish (especially tuna and bluefish)
