I have suffered neurological damage, at what doses can DHA help me?
Dear Doctor, I am a 34-year-old woman and I suffered neurological damage from neuroleptics (haloperidol decanoate depot administered not in TSO). The clinical examination showed uneven distribution of the radiotracer in both striata. I understand that Omega 3 DHA may be useful: should I combine antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, lycopene, cerebral circulation enhancers (like ginkgo biloba) or others with the therapy? What quantities of your supplements and possible additional supplements should I take? And for how long? Many thanks, Monica
Dear Monica,
Considering the neurological damage you suffered, dietary supplementation with omega-3 DHA could indeed be beneficial for you. This is for several reasons. Omega-3 fatty acids can provide useful supplementation in the neurological field because they can directly influence the production and release of certain neurotransmitters—such as serotonin and dopamine—essential for nerve impulse transmission. The fatty acid most involved in this mechanism is indeed omega-3 DHA.
DHA is the omega-3 fatty acid most present in neuronal membranes. When optimal amounts of DHA are present neurologically, the following occurs:
- cell membranes are in a more fluid state, releasing chemical messengers more rapidly into the synaptic space and electrical signals pass more easily from one neuron to another;
- brain cells whose membranes are rich in DHA seem to communicate more rapidly with each other;
- DHA intake also influences the concentration of dopamine in the brain, as it increases the number of nerve endings that produce it.
VitaDHA 1000 for extra dietary DHA supplementation
Based on the picture you describe, I recommend two possible supplements: VitaDHA liquid in single-dose vials and VitaDHA 1000 capsules. These are two supplements based on highly purified and concentrated fish oil—providing high concentrations of DHA.
- VitaDHA liquid
Contains lemon-flavored oil to allow easy administration either as is or added to foods such as yogurt, smoothies, or cold or warm drinks. Each vial provides 1250 mg of DHA and 360 mg of EPA, the other omega-3 fatty acid with biological effects on our body. The recommended dosage for this product is 1 vial per day.
- VitaDHA 1000 capsules
VitaDHA 1000 provides per capsule 470 mg of DHA and 100 mg of EPA. In this case, the dosage ranges from 1 to 3 capsules per day to be taken with a meal—breakfast, lunch, or dinner. One last recommendation concerns nutrition in a broad sense: in your diet, besides omega-3 fatty acids, it is good to prioritize foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables that provide vitamin C, zinc, and coenzyme Q10. In case of illnesses and ongoing pharmacological therapies, the opportunity to use omega-3 supplementation and the dosage to be used must be shared and decided with the treating physician—therefore I recommend discussing it with them.
I remain available for further information.
Best regards, Rosaria Ramondino, Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist
