A group of researchers have developed a new form of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, that can enter the retina and prevent visual declines related to Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and other disorders. DHA in traditional fish oil capsules is typically in triacylglycerol docosahexaenoic acid (TAG-DHA) form, which cannot access the retina. However, the scientists were able to successfully create a lysophospholipid form of DHA, known as LPC-DHA, which can enter the retina.
In laboratory tests conducted on mice, LPC-DHA showed an overall improvement of 96% in retinal DHA content, and also preserved retinal structure and function. This breakthrough may have far-reaching implications, as LPC-DHA may be able to help prevent visual function declines associated with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other disorders.
Overall, this development may have significant implications for individuals struggling with visual declines due to various disorders. As LPC-DHA can enter the retina, it has the potential to be much more effective than traditional fish oil capsules. These findings represent a promising step in the field of omega-3 fatty acid research and could lead to new treatments and therapies to improve vision in those with Alzheimer’s disease and other related conditions.
