Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

Docosahexaenoic Acid Uses

Some of the uses for DHA include as a supplement for premature babies as well as an ingredient in certain baby formula. By consuming DHA during the first four months of life, babies have been proven to have better mental and physical development. The reason that DHA is added to formula is because it is naturally found in breast milk.

Additionally, DHA can be taken to improve eyesight, prevent macular degeneration, help treat and prevent depression, and help reduce the potential for aggression in a stressful situation.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Benefits

By taking DHA in conjunction with EPA (in a fish oil supplement), you can help prevent or reverse heart disease and stabilize heart rhythm.  It is also possible to treat asthma, hay fever, kidney disease, cancer, and lung disease as well as regulate menstrual periods.

In addition, taking DHA can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as help individuals with bipolar disorder and chronic migraine headaches.

Docosahexaenoic Acid and How it Works

DHA can help reduce any chance of either heart or circulatory diseases. This is because it is able to help decrease the thickness of the blood as well as lowering triglyceride levels.

When taking recommended levels of DHA, it has been proven effective for helping reducing the chance of death from coronary artery disease. 

DHA may also aid in preventing age-related macular degeneration, and psoriasis. DHA assists in the development of both nerve and eye tissues.

Some additional studies have shown that children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have small levels of DHA in their bloodstream. However, while taking DHA supplements hasn’t been proven to help children with ADHD, it has been shown to slightly reduce aggression.

There have also been some cases of people with type 2 diabetes taking DHA to help with treatment, although there is limited proof that DHA does in fact reduce blood sugar.  Individuals with chronic and documented depression have shown slight improvement when taking a DHA supplement.

Studies show that people with both high cholesterol and high triglycerides can benefit from taking approximately 4 grams of DHA per day. The amount of reduction of the blood fats in the body can be diminsihed by as much as 20%.

However, DHA has not been proven to lower cholesterol levels, and has even been shown to increase bad cholesterol levels. It is important to speak to your phsyician or another health care professional before adding DHA to your diet or taking it as a supplement.

Docosahexaenoic Acid for Infants and Children

DHA has been proven to improve infant development; it is found in breast milk and certain baby formulas. Babies who do not get DHA from either their mother’s breast milk or from a formula tend to have delayed mental and physical development.

While researchers agree that breastfeeding is more beneficial than formula-feeding, it is best to give a formula that contains at least 0.2% of fat from Docosahexaenoic Acid.

Another benefit is for children with dyslexia. There has been documented proof of an improvement of night vision. In addition, certain motion disorders such as dyspraxia can be treated by taking DHA in combination with primrose oil, thyme oil and Vitamin E.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Side Effects

In most circumstances, DHA is generally considered safe when appropriate amounts are taken. However, some people have reported certain side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, excessive bleeding including nosebleeds, and loose bowel movements.

It is best to take DHA supplements with meals if any of these side effects are occuring. It is not safe to take DHA in large amounts. If you consume more than 3 grams each day, your blood levels can be thinned to unhealthy levels and your chances for uncontrollable bleeding can be increased.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Warnings

DHA has been proven safe to take when pregnant, as it is naturally found in breast milk. However, it is important to discuss taking any additional supplements while pregnant with your phsycian.

In addition, some prenatal vitamins contain amounts of DHA. You want to be careful that you are not consuming too much. 

If you can not tolerate aspirin, you should not take DHA supplements. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, do not take DHA without first speaking to your doctor about it.  Use the supplement finder to compare DHA products now!