The transporter protein Mfsd2a carries DHA to the brain, research has found. The findings have widespread implications for how DHA functions in human nutrition. The study marks the first time a genetic model for brain DHA deficiency and its functions in the brain has been made available. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid most abundantly found in the brain that is thought to be crucial to its function. However, the brain does not produce DHA. Instead, DHA uptake in the brain happens in two ways. The developing brain receives DHA during fetal development, from a mother to her baby. The adult brain gets it through food or DHA produced by the liver.