Evidence supporting the use of: DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
For the health condition: Confusion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is a critical structural component of the human brain, retina, and other neural tissues. Scientific interest in DHA's effects on cognitive health stems from its high concentration in neural membranes and its role in synaptic function. There is moderate scientific evidence suggesting that DHA supplementation may support cognitive function, including symptoms related to confusion, particularly in specific populations such as the elderly or those with mild cognitive impairment.
Several observational studies have found associations between low DHA intake or blood levels and an increased risk of cognitive decline. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that DHA supplementation can modestly improve cognitive function or slow decline in certain populations, but the effects are generally small. For example, a 2010 RCT published in "Alzheimer's & Dementia" found no significant benefit in Alzheimer's patients, but some studies in older adults with mild memory complaints reported modest improvements in cognitive performance.
It is important to note that "confusion" as a symptom can have many causes beyond neurodegeneration, and the evidence for DHA's effectiveness is not robust across all causes of confusion. While DHA is not a primary treatment for acute confusion (delirium), it may play a role in supporting long-term brain health and function. Thus, the scientific validation for DHA use to treat or support confusion is limited but present, supporting a moderate rating.
Other health conditions supported by DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
Alzheimer's DiseaseAnxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Convulsions
Coordination
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Post Partum Depression
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Schizophrenia
Stress
Strokes
Triglycerides (high)
Products containing DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
Thorne
Advanced DHA
Vitabase
Brain Support
Vitabase
Complete Essential Fatty Acids
Pure Encapsulations
DHA Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations
DHA Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations
EFA Essentials
Pure Encapsulations
Energize Plus™ Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations
EPA/DHA
Pure Encapsulations
EPA/DHA essentials 1,000 mg
Pure Encapsulations
EPA/DHA essentials 1,000 mg
Vitabase
EPA / DHA Omega-3
Pure Encapsulations
EPA/DHA with Lemon
Pure Encapsulations
EPA Ultimate
Klean Athlete
Klean Omega ™
Douglas Laboratories
Krill Oil
Pure Encapsulations
Krill-Plex
Pure Encapsulations
Krill-Plex
Metagenics
MetaKids DHA
Metagenics
MetaKids Nutrition Powder Chocolate
Metagenics
MetaKids Nutrition Powder Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations
NeuroMood Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations
O.N.E.™ Omega
Pure Encapsulations
O.N.E.™ Omega
Thorne
Omega-3 w/ CoQ10
Thorne
Omega Superb Lemon Berry
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Algae EPA-DHA 300 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics EPA DHA 2400 Fish Oil
Metagenics
OmegaGenics EPA-DHA 300 Lemon Lime
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 1000 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 1000 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 500 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 500 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Fish Oil Mega 10®
Metagenics
OmegaGenics Neuro 1000 mg
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ Hi-Po
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ Hi-Po
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ Hi-Po Liquid
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ Liquid
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ Synergy
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ Synergy
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ TG1000
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ Ultra
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ Ultra
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ Ultra DHA
Designs For Health
OmegAvail™ Ultra with Vitamin D3, K1 and K2
Douglas Laboratories
Opti-EPA 500 ™ Cholesterol Free
Douglas Laboratories
Opti-EPA 500 ™ Cholesterol Free
Metagenics
PlusOne® Daily Prenatal Packs
Thorne
Prenatal DHA
Pure Encapsulations
Pro-Resolve Omega
Thorne
Pro-Resolving Mediators
Integrative Therapeutics
Pure Omega HP
Integrative Therapeutics
Pure Omega Liquid
Integrative Therapeutics
Pure Omega Ultra HP
Pure Encapsulations
PureNutrients EPA/DHA
Douglas Laboratories
QÜELL® FISH OIL DHA Ultra SPM
Douglas Laboratories
QUELL Fish Oil ® - EPA/DHA Plus D
Metagenics
SPM Active
Thorne
Super EPA
Thorne
Super EPA NSF
Thorne
Super EPA Pro
Vitabase
Super Omega-3
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra G.L.A. Borage Oil
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra G.L.A. Borage Oil
Pure Encapsulations
Ultra Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations
VisionPro EPA/DHA/GLA
Pure Encapsulations
VisionPro EPA/DHA/GLA
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
Designs For Health
XanthOmega™ Krill Oil