DHA, also known as docosahexaenoic acid, is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that has been proven itself vital in brain function and the clotting of blood. It also plays a major role in the development of the eyes and central nervous system for fetuses. DHA may also be key in the fight to reduce heart disease. It is one of many omega-3 fatty acids known to reduce blood tryglyceride levels, or fat in the blood. By lowering tryglycerides, DHA helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and hardening of the arteries.
A diet rich in DHA has also been known to reduce blood pressure. Some smaller studies have shown that this fatty acid can help reduce the symptoms of diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis; while it may make the signs of these diseases less noticeable, it is not a cure for either of these diseases. A regular intake of DHA has also been shown to reduce menstrual cramping.
Much attention has been given to the importance of DHA during pregnancy and in early childhood. The brain and central nervous system absorb high amounts of this fatty acid while in utero and during the first two years of life. Babies born to mothers with high DHA levels are thought to develop mental skills at a higher rate and to have more visual abilities.
New and expectant mothers are often flooded with options for ensuring their babies consume enough of the fatty acid. DHA can be found as an additive in prenatal vitamins, formula, infant cereal, and baby food. Breast milk is a natural provider of DHA, especially in mothers with diets rich in the acid.
To enjoy the full benefits of DHA, one full serving of a food rich in the omega-3 fatty acid should be consumed each day. Most people do not consume enough. It is found in fish oils, especially from fatty fish, known to populate cold water areas. Fish that are high in the fatty acid include, salmon, tuna (bluefin tuna have up to five times more DHA than other types of tuna), sardines, shellfish, and herring.
Although some of these fish contain low levels of mercury, the Food and Drug Administration has found that consuming several servings of fish each week poses no risk to healthy people and conveys many health benefits.
Since a menu of fish may not be appealing to everyone's palate, fish oil supplements rich in DHA are also available. Vegetarians can meet their daily intake by adding seaweed to their diets. Pregnant women and women who are nursing must be careful to avoid high levels of mercury, which is found in many fatty fish. These women should ask their doctors about DHA supplements. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid king mackerel, shark, swordfish, and tilefish. They should also limit consumption of white albacore tuna to under 6 oz. per week.
High-quality fish oil supplements made by manufacturers who test for mercury and other toxins do not pose the same risk of mercury contamination. Read labels carefully and check for purity, or ask your doctor to help you find the best quality DHA supplement.
For infants, breast milk from a mother who eats a healthy diet contains significant amounts of DHA. Infant formula may or may not have any DHA. Read labels carefully to find a brand that does.
There are some drawbacks to adding high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids to a diet. People who are allergic to fish should not take supplements derived from fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids may also cause a higher risk of bleeding in some patients.
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is very important for pregnant or breastfeeding women and infants. The supplement is claimed to help with fetal and infant brain and eye development. There may also be cardiovascular benefits of DHA. Studies show that fish oil (a combination of DHA and EPA, another omega-3 fatty acid) may prevent cardiovascular disease and help lower triglycerides.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is claimed to provide a variety of different health benefits. Currently, it is probably best known as a supplement for pregnant or breastfeeding women or a supplement used in infant formula. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found mostly in fish. Because the typical American diet does not include much fish, many people turn to DHA supplements to obtain these benefits.
Proper response to sensory stimuli: A new study published in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience examined the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid intake and the nervous system's ability to handle sensory input – a function called sensorimotor gating (Fedorova). Mice were fed diets containing either ALA only or ALA + EPA + DHA. The mice were evaluated on their responses to a loud noise following a soft tone – in normal sensorimotor gating, the soft tone acts as a warning so that the animal is not startled by the loud noise. The mice fed ALA + EPA + DHA had a 12% increase in brain DHA content and displayed improved sensorimotor gating – they responded more calmly to the loud noise. Inadequate sensorimotor gating is central to human disorders like schizophrenia and ADHD - children with ADHD have reduced DHA levels, and DHA has been shown to improve the symptoms of ADHD.
Cognitive development in infants: DHA makes up 90% of the omega-3 fatty acid content of the brain, and is a major component of brain cell membranes. Since DHA is crucial during development of the brain, adequate DHA intake is important for pregnant and nursing women. Previous studies documenting improved cognitive skills in breastfed infants have attributed this to the DHA content of breast milk. A new study has confirmed these observations. Infants were fed formula with or without supplemental DHA – when they reached 9 months of age, the babies given DHA scored higher on a problem solving test.
Keeping arteries clear: The oxidized form of LDL cholesterol contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. DHA supplementation in healthy, middle-aged men had antioxidant effects on LDL.
Reducing inflammation: Men who took DHA supplements for 6-12 weeks decreased the concentrations of several inflammatory markers in their blood by approximately 20%.6-7
Cancer protection: DHA and EPA induced programmed cell death in colon cancer cells and prostate cancer cells, and DHA supplementation reduced tumor size in a mouse model of cancer.
Slowing the aging process: It had already been shown that heart disease patients with higher intakes of DHA and EPA survived longer. A new study has found that higher intake of these omega-3 fatty acids was associated with slower rate of telomere shortening, which is a DNA-level sign of aging.
Cardiovascular Benefits of DHA: As an omega-3 fatty acid, DHA may also have benefits for the heart and vascular system. Although most studies focus on DHA and EPA together, there is a little research that suggests that DHA alone may also be beneficial. One study showed that DHA may work quite well for high triglycerides (known medically as hypertriglyceridemia). It may also slightly increase HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol"), although it can increase LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol") a little as well.
Research suggests that fish oil (which contains DHA along with other active components) may prevent cardiovascular disease (including heart attacks and strokes). In people who have already had a heart attack, fish oil may decrease the risk of another heart attack and the risk of death. Additionally, taking fish oil after an angioplasty procedure or bypass surgery might help keep the blood vessels from closing back up. It is not clear if taking just DHA provides these same benefits.
DHA is an essential fatty acid, which means that humans must obtain DHA from the diet. DHA plays a key role in the development of eye and nerve tissues. DHA may also reduce the risk of heart and circulatory disease by decreasing the thickness of the blood and lowering blood levels of triglycerides.
DHA is thought to work in a variety of different ways, such as:
Inflammation -- DHA seems to decrease inflammation in the body by suppressing a specific enzyme (COX-2) and inflammatory chemicals such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
Triglycerides -- DHA lowers triglyceride levels through several different mechanisms.
Blood clotting -- DHA decreases blood viscosity (in common terms, it "thins" the blood) and has effects on red blood cells that may decrease the risk of blood clots.
Fetal and infant development -- DHA is important for the development of the brain and neurons.
These are just a few of the ways that researchers think DHA may work for a variety of conditions. As more studies are done, more information about how DHA works will become available.
DHA is used for treating type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), dementia, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Some people use DHA is for improving vision, preventing an eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), preventing and treating depression, and reducing aggressive behavior in people in stressful situations.
DHA is used in combination with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for a variety of conditions, including the prevention and reversal of heart disease, stabilizing heart rhythm, asthma, cancer, painful menstrual periods, hayfever, lung diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and certain kidney diseases. EPA and DHA are also used in combination for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, psoriasis, Raynaud's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar disorder, certain inflammations of the digestive system (ulcerative colitis) and preventing migraineheadaches in teenagers.
It is also used in combination with evening primrose oil, thyme oil, and vitamin E (Efalex) to improve movement disorders in children with a condition called dyspraxia.
DHA is available as a supplement in two common forms:
Fish oil capsules, which contain both DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), another omega-3 fatty acid
DHA from algae, which contains no EPA
Don't confuse DHA with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). They are both in fish oil, but they are not the same. DHA can be converted into EPA in the body.
Pediatric
Babies who are breastfed should get enough EPA if their mothers are getting enough EPA in her diet.
Adult
Most studies have used 1,000 - 2,500 mg of DHA per day.
In the diet: 2 - 3 servings of fatty fish per week, which corresponds to 1,250 mg EPA and DHA per day.
Fish oil supplements: 3,000 - 4,000 mg standardized fish oils per day. Read the label to check levels of DHA and EPA, which are not the same as mg of fish oil. People who take blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, or people who have hemophilia should check with their doctors to determine a safe dose.
Pregnant women: 200 mg DHA per day
DHA supplements from algae: 200 mg per day
Some fish oil supplements also contain vitamin E to maintain freshness.
Even though it is a "natural" product, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is not always free of side effects. Nausea, gas, and a fishy aftertaste are the most common side effects seen with DHA. Side effects of the supplement are generally minor, but it is possible to develop serious side effects (especially if you take higher doses of DHA). Side effects which may indicate that you should stop taking DHA include any signs of internal bleeding or allergic reactions.
For most people, these side effects are merely bothersome. However, DHA can sometimes cause serious side effects as well, especially when taken at higher dosages. Also, it is possible that DHA obtained from fish sources could contain heavy metals or other toxins, if it is not purified properly.
Many people experience nausea and gas when taking DHA supplements. Taking DHA with food may help prevent or lessen the nausea. If the DHA is derived from fish, you may also experience a fishy aftertaste. Again, taking it with food may help reduce this side effect.
Since DHA may have anticoagulant ("blood-thinning") effects, some people may notice that they bruise more easily. It may also take a little longer for a cut to stop bleeding. While this may be merely bothersome, it can become serious in some situations. However, some researchers believe that taking DHA alone (without EPA) may not actually have these anticoagulant effects. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is a similar but different omega-3 fatty acid usually used in combination with DHA (in the form of fish oil).
There are a few side effects with DHA that you should report to your healthcare provider and which may indicate that you should stop taking DHA. These include, but are not limited to:
Signs of internal bleeding, such as:
Black, tarry stools; bright-red blood in the stool; or vomiting of blood (signs of gastrointestinal bleeding)
Signs of a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain), such as vision or speech changes, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or a severe headache
Signs of an allergic reaction, including an unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
DHA may also slightly increase LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"). Of course, dangerous side effects are possible if a DHA supplement contains heavy metals or other toxins, some of which may be carcinogenic (may increase the risk of cancer). This is most likely in DHA supplements derived from fish, especially if not purified.
If you think you are experiencing a DHA side effect, please let your healthcare provider know. Also, let him or her know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
Fish oil capsules contain both DHA and EPA. Supplements containing EPA may not be recommended for infants or small children because they upset the balance between DHA and EPA during early development. Pregnant women should talk to their doctor before taking fish oil supplements.
Fish oil capsules may cause minor side effects, such as loose stools, stomach upset, and belching.
They may prolong bleeding time slightly. If you take blood-thinning medication, talk to your doctor before taking fish oil.
Aspirin-sensitivity: DHA might affect your breathing, if you are sensitive to aspirin.
High blood pressure: DHA can lower blood pressure and could lower blood pressure too much in people who are also taking blood pressure medications. If you have high blood pressure, check with your healthcare provider before taking DHA.
Blood pressure medication -- DHA may lower blood pressure, so it could make the effects of prescription blood pressure medication stronger.
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) -- EPA in fish oil supplements may increase bleeding time, so fish oil could make the effects of these drugs stronger. The same does not appear to be true of DHA alone. Blood thinners include warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirin.
Diabetes medications -- Theoretically, fish oil supplements may lower blood sugar levels and could make effects of diabetes drugs stronger. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking fish oil.
Aspirin -- Combined with aspirin, fish oil could help treat some forms of heart disease. However, this combination may also increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor to see if this combination is right for you.
Cyclosporine -- Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce some of the side effects of cyclosporine, which is often used to stop rejection in transplant recipients. Talk to your doctor before adding any new herbs or supplements to the medication you already take.
The following reviews have been selected:
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Reason for taking: Attention deficit-hyperactivit...
Reviewer: adhdmomma/teacher, 7-12 Male, 1/9/2012 2:52:55 PM
Comment:
I give my 10 yr old son 2 multivitamin gummies with 100mg of DHA and one 400mg DHA suppliment each day. It has greatly increased his ability to focus on tasks, and short term memory. school work has improved as well as home functioning. when supplements are not taken for a time behaviors reoccur.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Baby Brain POWER!!!, November 8, 2011
By
cryjoy
These are soooooo good for your developing baby, sooo good! All Moms need to take these during and while nursing thier wee lil sweet one... Have a happy healthy baby they deserve it!
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Reason for taking: Heart disease
Reviewer: jollyranger, 55-64 Female, 6/4/2011 8:50:24 PM
Comment:
I have used Omega 3's for 1.5 yrs for high blood pressure and psoriasis. I am also on low doses of 2 kinds of blood pressure meds and with the OMega 3's - 2000 mg a day. My blood pressure hovers around 125/65. I truly think that the Omega brought it down that low since I was on the BP meds before I started the Omega 3's and I could only get my BP to 135/75. My Dr wanted it where it is now, and I certainly didn't want to take more meds.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great vitamin for expecting moms, June 3, 2011
By
Daniel A. Keener "Danny Blaze" (seattle area)
If you are an expecting mom, you probably already know how important this stuff is.
There are some pretty good studies on children whos mothers took DHA while pregnant.
Do a google search and read for yourself.
It is definitly worth the money to have a healthy baby!
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4.0 out of 5 stars ...Great Product, January 6, 2011
By
sweetsorrow2
I am about to order this product for the third time...I love it. I dont get a fishy aftertaste or burps. I also give one a day to my son who has ADHD and it has helped him with his hyperness once his regular meds wear off in the afternoon.
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3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars ..., April 5, 2011
By
Ann
I am a nursing mother... I have to say that after a week of taking it I felt so much better, my concentration was better, i felt more organized and had more energy....
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