Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

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Comprehensive information on DHA. Low levels of DHA associated with ADHD in children and depression and Alzheimer's Disease in adults. Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of DHA.

Overview

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for the proper functioning of our brains as adults, and for the development of our nervous system and visual abilities during the first six months of life. Lack of sufficient DHA may be associated with impaired mental and visual functioning as well as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) in children. Low levels have also been associated with depression and Alzheimer's Disease in adults. Our bodies naturally produce some DHA, but in amounts too small and irregular to ensure proper biochemical functioning. Therefore, preformed DHA must be consumed in the diet through foods such as cold water fatty fish or in supplement form in order to assure an adequate supply.

DHA Uses

DHA for ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Research has identified the impact of low DHA levels on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (and possibly other learning, health, and sleep problems) in children. However, studies have not yet been conducted to determine whether supplementation with DHA is useful for the prevention or treatment of these conditions.

DHA for depression
Insufficient DHA may be related to increasing rates of depression in adults. More research is warranted to confirm the possible association between DHA and depression and to investigate whether DHA supplements may be of benefit in depressed patients.

DHA for Heart Disease
DHA supplementation enhanced the DHA status of vegetarians and favorably influenced cholesterol levels. Because people with diabetes often develop heart disease, some diabetics may benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (including DHA).

DHA for Infant Development
DHA plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the central nervous system as well as visual functioning in infants. Nutrition experts have issued recommendations that pregnant and lactating women should consume 300 mg per day of DHA. Adequate intakes for infants on formula diets should be 0.35% DHA.

DHA for Other Conditions
Some experts believe that omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA) may reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in burn victims and may also prove to be valuable in preventing colon cancer or treating it in its early stages. In addition, obese people who follow a weight loss program achieve better control over their blood sugar and cholesterol levels when fatty fish containing EPA and DHA is a staple in the diet.

Dietary Sources of DHA

DHA is found in cold water fatty fish including wild salmon (not farm raised), tuna (bluefin tuna have up to five times more DHA than other types of tuna), mackerel, sardines, shellfish, and herring. Some organ meats such as liver and brain are also a good source of this essential fatty acid, and eggs provide some DHA, but in lower amounts. For infants, breast milk contains significant amounts of DHA, while infant formula often has none (see above for the amount that should be present).

Available Forms

DHA is available as a supplement in two common forms:

Fish oil capsules (which contain both DHA and EPA [eicosapentaenoic acid], another omega-3 fatty acid)
DHA extracted from algae (which contains no EPA)