Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. DHA is found in certain seaweeds and tiny crustaceans, among other things, and is therefore found in all living creatures that feed on it. Vision problems arise due to low levels of DHA. DHA is mainly found in seafood, such as fish, shellfish, and algae. Interestingly, Alzheimer’s disease patients have lower amounts of DHA in the brain and liver, while EPA and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) levels are elevated (54, 55). Notably, DHA tends to increase “bad” LDL cholesterol levels but mainly the number of large, fluffy LDL particles, which — unlike small, dense LDL particles — aren’t linked to increased heart disease risk (8, 9). On its own, DHA supports brain function and eye health. DHA may help reduce cancer risk through its anti-inflammatory effects. It is one of two Omega-3 fatty acids your body needs to function and your baby needs to grow and develop during pregnancy. DHA supports good blood flow, or circulation, and may improve endothelial function — the ability of your blood vessels to dilate (42). Omega-3 needs vary by individual. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of omega-3 fat that may improve many aspects of your health, from your brain to your heart. Just keep in mind that some fish oils may also be high in vitamin A, which can be harmful in large amounts. Phase II . However, its role in heart disease prevention is controversial. The average human body is composed of approximately 37 trillion cells and virtually all of them depend on omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA for maintaining foundational daily cellular activities. Together, DHA and EPA may help reduce inflammation and your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the most important omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is the longest fatty acid with 22 carbons and six double bonds, and belongs to the Omega-3 class. Furthermore, low levels in mothers are linked to an increased risk of poor visual and neural development in the child (3, 24, 27). In a recent review, seven of nine studies that tested the effects of DHA supplements in children with ADHD showed some improvement — such as with regard to attention or behavior (14). This can come from fish, supplements or a combination of both (59). It also impairs learning and eyesight (24). It’s essential for prenatal brain development, good mental health through all stages of life, and protection against age-related mental decline. These include altered membrane properties, memory function, enzyme activity, and neuron function (38, 39, 40, 41, 42). The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. Getting adequate DHA supports both the vitality (percentage of live, healthy sperm in semen) and motility of sperm, which impacts fertility (51). There isn’t an upper limit on how much DHA you can take, but the FDA has advised limiting total DHA and EPA intake from all sources to 3,000 mg daily, with only 2,000 mg of this limit coming from supplements (60). DHA is extremely important for brain tissue growth and function, especially during development and infancy (19, 20). Therefore, adequate levels of DHA seem to make it easier, quicker, and more efficient for your nerve cells to communicate. For example, in a 10-week study in 38 people with rheumatoid arthritis, 2,100 mg of DHA daily decreased the number of swollen joints by 28%, compared to a placebo. DHA is essential for brain and eye development in babies. How Much Omega-3 Should You Take per Day? There are the two main types of omega-3 fatty acids: Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Can Omega-3 Fish Oil Help You Lose Weight. These organs grow rapidly during a woman’s last trimester of pregnancy and the first few years of life (45, 46, 47). Here are 12 science-backed health benefits of DHA. Since your body can’t produce it in adequate amounts, you need to obtain it from your diet. Studies indicate that DHA may improve the effectiveness of anticancer drugs and fight cancer cells, but further research is needed (38). For general good health, aim for 200–500 mg daily of DHA plus EPA from food, supplements or both. DHA is essential for brain and eye development. Still, doses used in some studies are higher, and the European Food Safety Authority claims that up to 5,000 mg daily of EPA plus DHA in supplements appear safe (60). EPA and DHA are vital nutrients and may be taken to maintain healthy function of the following: brain and retina: DHA is a building block of tissue in the brain and retina of the eye. The same daily dose of EPA increased the omega-3 index of the same participants by only 3.3%. Authors L A Horrocks 1 , Y K Yeo. A review of 20 studies found that DHA and EPA may also help lower blood pressure, though each specific fat may affect different aspects. Here are 12…. Interestingly, many of these changes are also seen when DHA levels decrease. Short for Directory Harvest Attack, DHA is a type of malicious Internet attack where online spammers collect valid e-mail address and target those addresses in a spam attack or sell the lists of valid e-mail addresses to unscrupulous marketers. What’s more, DHA may occur in small amounts in meat and dairy from grass-fed animals, as well as omega-3-enriched or pastured eggs. If you suspect you’re not getting enough in your diet, consider taking an omega-3 supplement. It may help prevent or improve chronic conditions, such as heart disease, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Not all of them have the same effects on your body and brain. Therefore, it’s important for women to get enough DHA during pregnancy and while breastfeeding (48, 49). In fact, they make up an essential part of a healthy diet. It’s linked to many health benefits, and animal studies suggest that it may boost DHA levels in the brain (108, 109). Therefore, DHA intake can dramatically affect brain development (27, 94). DHA plays a major role in the development of proper visual function … Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina. Similarly, when 24 men supplemented with 260 mg of DHA and 600 mg of EPA daily for eight weeks, they had no decrease in their range of motion after an elbow-strengthening exercise, whereas men in the placebo group saw an 18% decrease (26). Vegetarians and vegans are often lacking in DHA and should consider taking microalgae supplements that contain it (11, 105). It’s uncertain whether DHA and other omega-3 fats help age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as once thought, but they may improve dry eyes and diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) (27, 28, 29). Hence, DHA is the most abundantly present in the retina (eye) and brain. Large doses of DHA and EPA can thin your blood, so if you’re taking a blood-thinning drug or have surgery planned, your doctor may advise you to avoid fish oil supplements or may need to monitor you more closely (61). Omega-3 fatty acids are important fats that we must get from the diet. DHA is mainly located in cell membranes, where it makes the membranes and gaps between cells more fluid. DHA is an important nutrient in your baby’s diet for a lot of reasons, so make sure you’re little one is getting DHA to help support their development. Poor episodic memory is associated with difficulties recalling events that occurred at a specific time and place (44, 51, 52, 53). Omega-3 fatty acids are generally linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Rhodopsin helps your brain receive images by changing the permeability, fluidity, and thickness of your eye membranes (57, 58). In a study in about 22,000 adults in Norway, those who reported taking cod liver oil daily — which supplied 300–600 mg each of DHA and EPA — were 30% less likely to have symptoms of depression than those who didn’t (55). DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): A Detailed Review, The 3 Most Important Types of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, How Omega-3 Fish Oil Affects Your Brain and Mental Health. If you have a health condition or are taking any medications, check with your doctor before taking DHA supplements. As their brains are growing rapidly, they need high amounts of DHA to form vital cell membrane structures in their brains and eyes (3, 93). Fats that we must get from the diet of marine animals numerous health benefits of DHA ( docosahexaenoic (. Is the longest fatty acid, this process is very inefficient and omega-3-enriched eggs may contain! Of a healthy diet mental decline, EPA and DHA, 94 ) form of dementia in adults! 27 ) mood, and behavior ( 49, 50 ) your health, it ’ s important your... 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