Evidence supporting the use of: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
For the health condition: Concentration (poor)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found abundantly in the brain and is essential for normal neurological development and function. There is a moderate level of scientific evidence supporting DHA's role in cognitive function, including concentration, particularly in developing children and possibly in adults. Clinical studies have shown that DHA supplementation can improve aspects of attention and cognitive performance in children, especially those with low baseline levels of omega-3s or neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD. For example, randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that DHA supplementation in school-aged children may lead to improvements in measures of attention and working memory, although results are sometimes modest and not universal across all populations.

In adults, epidemiological studies suggest a correlation between higher dietary intake of DHA and better cognitive performance or a reduced risk of cognitive decline, though intervention studies are less consistent. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that DHA may have small but significant effects on certain aspects of cognition, including attention and concentration, particularly in populations with low baseline omega-3 intake. However, the overall effect size is modest, and not all studies find a benefit.

In summary, while the use of DHA for supporting concentration is based on a plausible biological rationale and supported by some scientific evidence, particularly in children, the strength of the evidence is moderate and more research is needed to establish definitive recommendations for all age groups.

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