Facts
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (PUFA) found throughout the body. It is a major structural fat found in the brain and eye accounting for up to 97% of the total omega-3 fats in the brain and up to 93% of the omega-3 fats in a specific part of the eye, called the retina. It is also a key component of the heart. Numerous research studies confirm that everyone, from infants to adults to the elderly, can benefit from a regular intake of dietary DHA.
- DHA accounts for up to 97% of the total omega-3 fats in the brain
- Research studies confirm that everyone, from infants to elderly, can benefit from a regular intake of dietary DHA omega-3 fatty acid
- Typical American diet contains less than 100mg of DHA per day, well below the amount recommended
- Fish do not produce their own DHA and EPA, it comes from the algae in their food chain
Go to all the life'sDHA facts
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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
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If you’re a parent, September can be hectic as summer winds down and the kids get ready to head back to school. Coming up with a roster of lunches that are healthy, taste good and – most importantly – are eaten is no small feat. Read on for tips from Abbie Gellman, registered dietitian and chef, on how to pack a nutritious lunchbox. read more
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Certain strains of algae produce omega-3 EPA and DHA and are 100% sustainable. read more
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life'sDHA Editors - 05/11/18
Video: Happy Mother’s Day from Nelson Dellis, Memory Champion, and life’sDHA®
A special Mother’s Day message from Nelson Dellis, Memory Champion, and his wife as they anticipate the arrival of their first child. read more -
Did you know that you can get your omega-3 levels checked? Learn how registered dietitian, Tori Schmitt, fared when she had her levels checked. read more
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Meet the company behind the vegetarian sources of DHA and EPA – life’sDHA™ and life’s™OMEGA – and learn how researchers discovered that microalgae are the original sources of these important healthy fats. read more
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You may not realize how many products you consume each day are actually fortified foods, as they have become such a major part of our diet in developed countries. Read how fortified foods can be part of a healthy diet. read more
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Does every bite make you wonder how you’re impacting the environment with your food choices? You’re not alone. Registered Dietitian, Melanie McGrice, shares three easy tips for sustainable eating. read more
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Hitting the road this holiday season? Don’t sacrifice your family’s nutrition just because you’re away from home. Tori Schmitt, MS, RDN shares the ultimate road trip snack pack ideas to make your next trip a little healthier read more
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Every bite counts as an opportunity to build strong, healthy bodies for your children. Read more for a sample day’s menu for your child, which packs in the healthy omega-3 DHA read more
DHA at Every Age
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (PUFA) found throughout the body. It is a major structural fat in the brain and retina accounting for up to 97% of the total omega-3 fats in the brain and up to 93% of the omega-3 fats in the retina. It is also a key component of the heart. Numerous studies confirm that everyone, from infants to adults, benefits from an adequate supply of DHA. The following information is based on available science. Depending on where you live, you may see these benefits on product packaging.
Learn more about the health benefits of life'sDHA
ARA During Infancy
Arachidonic acid, or ARA, is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid (PUFA) found throughout the body. It is the primary omega-6 fatty acid in the brain, representing about 48% of the omega-6 fats found there. ARA, in combination with DHA, is always present in breast milk and plays a key role in infant development. Together, they are considered conditionally essential nutrients1during early life and are related to cognitive, visual and immune development during infancy and throughout childhood. Numerous studies highlight the importance of an adequate supply of ARA and DHA in infant development. The following information is based on available science.
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1Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2010. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 91.
Vegetarian EPA and DHA
life’s™OMEGA goes directly to the source – algae – to deliver vegetarian EPA and DHA omega-3 to help support overall health throughout all stages of life. The vegetarian equivalent to fish oil, life’s™OMEGA is the first plant-based EPA and DHA combined product that gives consumers an alternative to traditional fish oils.
Learn more about the health benefits of EPA and DHA omega-3.
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, heart and other parts of the nervous system develop and function properly through all stages of life.