Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

51
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such...
51
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

2.0K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
2.0K
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

1.3K
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.3K
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

1.1K
Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children...
1.1K
Long-term Depression01:03

Long-term Depression

3.6K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
3.6K
Long-term Depression01:05

Long-term Depression

33.7K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
33.7K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

GLP-1 receptor agonists in pediatric obesity.

Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver·2026
Same author

Can Bifidobacterium infantis M-63 reshape the weaning gut?

Pediatric research·2026
Same author

Foods to Prevent Cardiometabolic Disease: Moving from "Saturated Fat" to "Whole Foods".

Current developments in nutrition·2026
Same author

Electrolyte balance and muscle damage after adolescent binge alcohol use: a retrospective study.

Italian journal of pediatrics·2026
Same author

Acute malnutrition and postoperative outcomes in pediatric abdominal surgery.

Clinical nutrition ESPEN·2026
Same author

Learning About Healthy Nutrition by Doing: Experiential Approaches in School-Based Nutrition Education.

Nutrients·2026
Same journal

Correction: Pramesthi et al. Evaluating the Impact of Indonesia's National School Feeding Program (ProGAS) on Children's Nutrition and Learning Environment: A Mixed-Methods Approach. <i>Nutrients</i> 2025, <i>17</i>, 3575.

Nutrients·2026
Same journal

Correction: Huang et al. Correlation Study Between Dietary Behaviors, Lifestyle, and Psychological Problems in Chinese Children Aged 3-7. <i>Nutrients</i> 2025, <i>17</i>, 176.

Nutrients·2026
Same journal

Association of Dietary Animal and Plant Protein Composition with All-Cause Mortality: 24-Year Population-Based Cohort Study.

Nutrients·2026
Same journal

Phytochemistry, Bioavailability, and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Multitarget Anticancer Activity of <i>Aloe vera</i>.

Nutrients·2026
Same journal

A Comparison of the Interstitial and Blood Glucose Responses Following Consumption of Different Carbohydrate-Containing Beverages in Humans: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Nutrients·2026
Same journal

Across Kingdoms: The Bacteriome, Mycobiome, and Virome in Autoimmune Diseases: Mechanistic Insights, Therapeutic Perspectives, and the Emerging Role of COVID-19.

Nutrients·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
03:19

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes

Published on: June 28, 2024

840

DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function.

Lotte Lauritzen1, Paolo Brambilla2,3, Alessandra Mazzocchi4

  • 1Department of Nutrition Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. ll@nexs.ku.dk.

Nutrients
|January 8, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is crucial for brain development from infancy through adulthood. Adequate DHA intake supports cognitive function, visual acuity, and may mitigate risks of cognitive decline and psychiatric disorders.

Keywords:
brain developmentdesaturasesdocosahexaenoic acidpsychiatric disorders

More Related Videos

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
05:13

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Published on: February 28, 2025

809
The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
19:57

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Published on: August 5, 2017

8.9K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
03:19

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes

Published on: June 28, 2024

840
Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
05:13

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Published on: February 28, 2025

809
The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
19:57

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Published on: August 5, 2017

8.9K

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a vital structural component of the central nervous system.
  • DHA accumulates rapidly in the fetal and early childhood brain, suggesting critical roles in development.
  • Endogenous DHA synthesis is limited, highlighting the importance of dietary intake.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing research on the relationship between DHA levels and brain development and function across the lifespan.
  • To synthesize evidence from cellular, animal, and human studies regarding DHA's impact on neurological health.

Main Methods:

  • A narrative review of scientific literature was conducted.
  • Studies examined included in vitro, animal models, and human observational and interventional research.
  • Focus was placed on associations between DHA status and various aspects of brain development and function.

Main Results:

  • Cell and animal studies support DHA's role in neuronal growth, differentiation, and signaling.
  • Human studies predominantly link DHA to optimal visual acuity development in infants.
  • Emerging evidence suggests DHA influences cognitive function, with effects potentially modulated by gender and genetic factors, and may impact cognitive decline and psychiatric disorders later in life.

Conclusions:

  • DHA is essential for optimal brain development and function throughout life.
  • Adequate DHA intake is recommended, particularly during critical developmental periods.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate DHA's complex roles in neurological health and disease, considering individual variability.