Health Benefits

DHA Omega-3 Benefits

DHA omega-3 is naturally found throughout the body and is most abundant in the brain, eyes and heart. Just as calcium is essential for building strong bones, DHA ensures that the cells in the brain, eyes, heart and other parts of the nervous system develop and function properly through all stages of life.

DHA for Brain Health

DHA is a structural fat, making up approximately 30% of the structural fats in the gray matter of the brain and 97% of the total omega-3s in the brain.

Studies have shown that DHA plays a role in various functions and at different times in life (depending on the regions, some health claims are authorized):

  • Infant cognitive development
    • Brain and nervous system development and function (authorized in the European Union (EU) “docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the fetus and breastfed infants”
    • Supporting brain health of children and adults throughout life (authorized in the EU “DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function”)
  • Possible role for DHA in some behavioral and mood disorders affecting both children and adults

DHA for Eye Health

DHA is a major structural fat in the retina of the eye and it plays an important role in both infant visual development and visual function throughout life.

Studies have shown that DHA plays a role in:

  • Infant visual function and visual development (authorized in the EU “docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age” and “docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) maternal intake contributes to the normal development of the eye of the fetus and breastfed infants”
  • DHA may play a role in adult eye health (authorized in the EU “DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision”

DHA for Heart Health

DHA is a key component of heart health, in large part because it is found in abundant levels in heart tissue. As a result, DHA is important for heart health throughout life.*

Studies have shown that DHA plays a role in:

  • Maintaining normal triglyceride levels, heart rate and blood pressure (authorized in the EU “DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels,” “EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart” and “DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure”)

In addition, 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.”

All EU authorized health claims can only be used if the product is compliant with the provisions set in the Regulation 1924/2006 including the specific conditions of use related to each claim.

The Benefits of DHA Through All Stages of Life

Learn more about the importance and health benefits of omega-3 DHA through different stages of life, including:

Recent Posts

  • 3 Truths About Blue Light and Eye Health

    3 Truths About Blue Light and Eye Health

    What do blue light, the sun, and your diet including DHA have in common? Your eyes. That's right! Blue light, the sun, and healthy fats all influence the health of your eyes. Learn three truths about blue light and eye health. Read More

  • Video: How This Memory Champion Trains His Brain

    Video: How This Memory Champion Trains His Brain

    Nelson Dellis, 4-time USA Memory Champion and adventure sport athlete, shares what a typical day looks like for this athlete. Nutrition is an important part of his daily routine and his training program. Brain Armor with life’sOMEGA vegetarian DHA and EPA omega-3s help to support his journey. Read More

  • 4 Key Nutrients for a Healthy Vegetarian Pregnancy

    4 Key Nutrients for a Healthy Vegetarian Pregnancy

    A nutritious diet is essential for every mother-to-be as nutritional deficiencies are common during pregnancy, but for the vegetarian mamma, it is even more important. Learn about four key nutrients for a healthy vegetarian pregnancy from award-winning dietitian Melanie McGrice, AdvAPD. Read More

  • Caring for Your Parents – Omega-3s for the Second Half of Life

    Caring for Your Parents – Omega-3s for the Second Half of Life

    Many mothers are caring for more people than just their children, they’re also caring for their parents who need to maintain healthy habits throughout the second half of their lives. If you’re a caregiver, read on to learn how an important nutrient – omega-3s – can help support your loved ones’ health. Read More