What is DHA

0 comments

What is magnesium docosahexaenoate (DHA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in cold-water, fatty fish, such as salmon. It is also found in fish oil supplements, as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Vegan sources of DHA come from seaweed.

Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart, and your body needs DHA to keep your brain healthy. Babies need DHA, especially in the first 6 months of their lives, so that their brains, eyes, and nervous systems can develop properly. DHA is found in breast milk and is added to some infant formulas.

Our bodies naturally produce small amounts of DHA, but we must get the amount we need from food or supplements. Most people in the Western world do not consume enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet.

Purpose

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Because children need omega-3 fatty acids for their brains to develop properly, researchers studied whether fish oil could reduce ADHD symptoms. So far, the results have been mixed.

Frustration

While some studies suggest fish oil can reduce symptoms of depression, it's unclear whether DHA itself has the same effect. Other studies show that EPA can improve depression.

Heart disease

Fish oil appears to help improve outcomes for people who already have heart disease. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help lower triglycerides (fats in the blood), lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of blood clots, improve arterial health and reduce the amount of plaque in the arteries that can narrow the arteries and cause heart disease. disease disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish, especially fatty fish, at least 2 times a week. Fatty fish include salmon, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna. People who already have heart disease may need to take fish oil supplements in addition to adding more fish to their diet. Ask your doctor if fish oil supplements are right for you.

Infant development

DHA plays a vital role in the growth and development of the central nervous system and visual function in infants. Breastfed babies of healthy mothers should receive adequate DHA from breast milk.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Several small studies have found that fish oil may help reduce symptoms and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it does not prevent joint damage from getting worse.

Menstrual pain

Taking fish oil regularly seems to reduce the pain of menstrual cramps (and not just during your period).

Raynaud's Syndrome

Several studies have shown that high doses (12 grams) of fish oil can reduce sensitivity to cold in the fingers and toes of people with Raynaud syndrome. Such high doses should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Lupus

Preliminary research suggests that fish oil may reduce fatigue and joint pain associated with lupus.

Dietary sources

DHA is found in cold-water, fatty fish, including salmon, tuna (bluefin tuna has 5 times more DHA than other types of tuna), sardines, shellfish, and herring.

Some of these fish have very low levels of mercury. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says eating a few servings of fish per week poses no risk to healthy people and provides many health benefits.

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not eat king mackerel, shark, swordfish and tilefish. They should also eat no more than 6 ounces. White Albacore Tuna Weekly.

To ensure you are getting a fish oil supplement that is not contaminated with mercury, read labels carefully and check for purity, and ask your doctor to help you find the best quality DHA supplement.

If the mother is healthy, breastfed babies should get enough DHA from breast milk. Infant formula may or may not contain any DHA. Read labels carefully.

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 from algae, EPA-free
How to Take
Pediatrics

Mothers of breastfed infants should get enough DHA if they get enough in their diet. Some infant formulas also have added DHA.
Adults

Most studies used 1,000 to 2,500 mg of DHA per day.
Diet: 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week, equivalent to 1,250 mg of EPA and DHA per day.
Fish Oil Supplements: 3,000 to 4,000 mg of standardized fish oil daily. Read the label to check the amount of DHA and EPA, which differ from fish oil in milligrams. People who take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin, or who have hemophilia should talk to their doctor for a safe dose.
Pregnant women: Ask your doctor if DHA supplements are right for you, and only use products designed for pregnant women.
DHA Supplements from Algae: 200 mg per day
Some fish oil supplements also have added vitamin E to maintain freshness.