Serum Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
22-carbon polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid containing 6 cis double bonds (22:6 n-3), the primary structural lipid of cerebral cortex and retina.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Ranges%
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
2.0 - 6.0% total fatty acids (100 - 250 ug/mL)
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
>4.5% (>180 ug/mL)
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Enriched in neuronal synaptic plasma membranes; serves as precursor to neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) and D-series resolvins.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (DHA High)
- •Optimal synaptic membrane fluidity and retinal health (>4.5%)
- •Adequate maternal-fetal brain development
Low Levels (DHA Low)
- •Accelerated cognitive decline and hippocampal volume loss
- •Impaired retinal dark adaptation
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Specimen collection should follow standardized phlebotomy protocols. Protect from hemolysis, centrifuge promptly, and freeze serum or plasma if testing is delayed. Patient should be in a resting, fasting state where indicated.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker quantification for DHA
- Targeted organ system imaging or functional dynamic testing related to neuronal membrane & protectin precursor
- Comprehensive baseline metabolic, renal, and inflammatory assessment (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Molecular Physiology of Serum Docosahexaenoic Acid - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 34090124
- [2]DHA Dynamics in Human Longevity and Precision Medicine - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35322901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Serum Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) into overall healthspan optimization.