How Do You Spell DOCOSAHEXAENOIC?

Pronunciation: [dˈɒkəsˌahɪksˌiːnə͡ʊɪk] (IPA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a fatty acid that is critical for brain development and function. Its chemical structure contains 22 carbon atoms, with six double bonds located at the third, sixth, ninth, twelfth, fifteenth, and eighteenth carbon positions. The IPA phonetic transcription for docosahexaenoic is /dɒkəʊsəˌhɛksɑɪˈnəʊɪk/, with stress on the fourth and ninth syllables. The word can be broken down into "docosa-" meaning twenty, "-hexa-" meaning six, and "-enoic" pertaining to unsaturated fatty acids with one double bond.

DOCOSAHEXAENOIC Meaning and Definition

1. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that belongs to the family of polyunsaturated fats. It is an important nutrient found primarily in fish and other seafood, as well as algae.

   DHA is characterized by its structure, consisting of 22 carbon atoms and six double bonds, with the first double bond occurring at the third carbon from the methyl end. Due to its unique structure, it plays a crucial role in various biological functions within the body, particularly in the development and functioning of the brain, nervous system, and eyes.

   DHA is known for its neuroprotective effects, promoting proper functioning of brain cells and supporting cognitive health throughout life, from infancy to old age. It is a key component of cell membranes, contributing to their fluidity and integrity. Studies have shown that DHA supplementation during pregnancy and early childhood can positively impact neural development and cognitive abilities in infants.

   Furthermore, DHA aids in maintaining normal vision by supporting the structure and function of the retina. It is also involved in reducing inflammation, supporting cardiovascular health, and promoting optimal immune system function.

   While the body can synthesize a small amount of DHA from other omega-3 fatty acids, it is often recommended to obtain sufficient amounts through dietary sources or supplements. DHA supplements derived from fish oil or algae are commonly used to meet the body's requirements for this essential nutrient.

Common Misspellings for DOCOSAHEXAENOIC

• docosahexanoic
• Docoyhexaenoic

Etymology of DOCOSAHEXAENOIC

The word "docosahexaenoic" is derived from a combination of multiple components:

1. "Doco-" comes from the Greek word "déka", meaning ten.

2. "Hexa-" comes from the Greek word "héxa", meaning six.

3. "Enoic" is derived from "enoic acid", a suffix indicating a carboxylic acid with a double bond.

Therefore, "docosahexaenoic" is a compound term describing a fatty acid with 22 carbon atoms (docosa-) that contains six double bonds (-hexaenoic). Specifically, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid.