Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid highly enriched in the brain and is recognized as an essential nutrient for proper development of brain function. Common brain injuries often cause lifelong neurological and cognitive impairments, especially in learning and memory. Optimizing the nutritional DHA status in neural tissues may allow significantly improved resilience for the central nervous system to injury and optimized recovery. This article discusses neuroprotective effects of DHA, which are potentially important for improving injury outcome, thus reducing the risk of lifelong neurological impairment associated with brain injury.

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While numerous laboratory studies have searched for neuroprotective treatment approaches to traumatic brain injury, no therapies have successfully translated from the bench to the bedside. A concussion is a unique form of brain injury, in that the current mainstay of treatment focuses on both physical and cognitive rest. Treatments for concussion are lacking. The concept of neuro-prophylactic compounds or supplements is also an intriguing one, especially as we are learning more about the relationship of numerous sub-concussive blows and/or repetitive concussive impacts and the development of chronic neurodegenerative disease. The use of dietary supplements and herbal remedies has become more commonplace.

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