DHA
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found in high concentrations in the brain, eyes, and heart. It is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through the diet or supplements since the body cannot produce it on its own.
Benefits of DHA
- Supporting brain function and cognitive health
- Promoting eye health and vision
- Reducing inflammation in the body, which may help decrease damage, swelling, and pain in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis
- Lowering the risk of heart disease by reducing blood triglycerides, risk of clots, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
- Supporting fetal development, including neuronal, retinal, and immune function
Several studies have shown that DHA supplements can have benefits on brain development and behavior or attention in children with ADHD.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of DHA varies depending on age and health status. For adults, a daily dose of 200mg to 300mg of DHA is recommended due to its benefits on brain development. However, some studies have used higher doses of up to 2 grams per day for certain conditions.
Potential Side Effects
DHA supplements (fish oil) may have side effects such as a fishy taste in your mouth and burping. Most side effects are mild and involve stomach and intestine issues. People shouldn’t take more than 3 grams of DHA per day without medical supervision. Choosing highly-purified supplements and freezing the capsules may help minimize these side effects.
Sources:
- https://www.verywellmind.com/the-health-benefits-of-dha-89183
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262608/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-864/docosahexaenoic-acid-dha
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/dha/
- https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/fish-oil-benefits-side-effects-research-and-dosage/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dha-benefits
