About DHA > Health Benefits

The Health Benefits of DHA
 

DHA omega-3 is naturally found throughout the body and is most abundant in the brain, eyes and heart. DHA is critical for healthy brain and eye development and function and has been shown to support heart health from infancy through adulthood. DHA serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eye. Just as calcium is essential for building strong bones, DHA ensures that the cells in the brain, retina, heart, and other parts of the nervous system develop and function properly. In order to ensure optimal development and function, we must continuously replenish the DHA in our bodies by getting enough of this important fatty acid in our diets.

Importance of DHA for Brain Health

DHA makes up approximately 30 percent of the structural fat in the gray matter of the brain. Studies have shown that DHA plays a major role in the mental development of infants and supports the mental function of children and adults throughout life. Beyond infancy, there may be a role for DHA in some behavioral and mood disorders affecting both children and adults, and low levels of DHA observed in the elderly may contribute to or accompany the onset of symptoms associated with age-related mental decline. More research is being conducted to further investigate these findings. A recently published large, randomized, placebo-controlled nutritional study in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association has demonstrated the benefits of algal DHA in improving memory in older adults.* In fact, no study using a fish oil source of DHA has found this significant benefit. Click here to learn more!

Importance of DHA for Eye Health

DHA is a major structural fat in the retina of the eye. DHA plays an important role in both infant visual development and visual function throughout life. Studies with both pre-term and term infants suggest that an adequate supply of DHA, provided through either breast milk or DHA-fortified formula, is associated with better visual function and more rapid visual development. Research also shows that DHA may play a role in adult eye health.

Importance of DHA for Heart Health

DHA is a key component of the heart, especially in the conducting tissue, and is important for heart health throughout life. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the available data regarding the relationship between DHA and EPA and cardiovascular disease and has authorized the use of the following claim:

"Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One serving of [Name of the food] provides [x] gram of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids."

The American Heart Association (AHA) has established the following guide containing recommended intakes for omega-3 fatty acids.

Population Recommendation
Patients without documented coronary heart disease (CHD) Eat a variety of (preferably fatty) fish at least twice a week. Include oils and foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid (flaxseed, canola and soybean oils; flaxseed and walnuts).
Patients with documented CHD Consume about 1 g of EPA DHA per day, preferably from fatty fish. EPA DHA supplements could be considered in consultation with the physician.
Patients who need to lower triglycerides 2 to 4 grams of EPA DHA per day provided as capsules under a physician’s care.
Patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from supplements should do so only under a physician’s care. High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.
Source: American Heart Association

 

Since 2000, the AHA has recommended that the U.S. population eat at least two servings of fish, particularly fatty fish, per week for their omega-3 (DHA & eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) cardiovascular benefits. The AHA, however, tempers its recommendation by cautioning consumers to heed warnings from federal and state advisories on environmental pollutants and toxins found in certain fish.

In 2005, the USDA Dietary Guidelines recognized an association between the omega-3 fats found in fish (DHA & EPA) and good cardiovascular health.