DHA-FAQs
1. What is D.H.A?
DHA stands for Docosahexaenoic Acid and is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that is a special component of our eyes, brain, and nerve tissues. It is one of three key omega-3 fatty acids that are important in our health. DHA is a critical compound in our body’s brain, nerve, and eye structure and is the most important of these well-studied omega-3s. Everyone needs it throughout life but babies and toddlers whose bodies are growing have particularly high needs. Your body can only make a small amount of DHA from other fatty acids, so you need to consume it directly from food or a supplement.
2. What are the other 2 omega fatty acids?
The other two key fatty acids are:
EPA usually found together with DHA in fish, seafood, algae, and ultra-lean meats.
ALA, a simpler plant form of DHA that’s in flaxseed, hempseed, walnuts, pecans, canola, and dark-green vegetables.
3. What are the health benefits of DHA?
Refer the blog for DHA
4. What dose of DHA do you need?
Experts have not set a Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for DHA, but 200–500 mg of DHA plus EPA per day are generally advised for good health. This can come from diet, supplements, or a combination of both.
It’s best to discuss omega-3 supplement doses with your doctor for specific health concerns or if you plan to take high doses.
5. What are the Precautions and Potential Side effects?
If you have a health condition or are taking any medications, check with your doctor before taking DHA supplements.
Large doses of DHA and EPA can thin your blood, so if you’re taking a blood-thinning drug or have surgery planned, your doctor may advise you to avoid fish oil supplements or may need to monitor you more closely.
If you have a fish allergy, your doctor may advise you to avoid fish oil supplements, though very pure fish oils may not cause a problem. Algae is a non-fish source of DHA used in some supplements, which prevents the fishy taste.
Other potential side effects of DHA include a fishy taste in your mouth and burping. Choosing highly-purified supplements and freezing the capsules may help minimize these side effects.
6. The Bottom Line
DHA is an omega-3 fat that you should consume from food, supplements, or both, as your body doesn’t produce much of it.
It may help prevent or improve chronic conditions, such as heart disease, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
DHA is also essential for sperm health and healthy pregnancy, including a reduced risk of preterm births and the proper development of babies’ brains and eyes. In children, it may improve ADHD symptoms.
For general good health, aim for 200–500 mg daily of DHA plus EPA from food, supplements, or both.