Facts About DHA

Basic Facts About DHA

DHA - good for your baby and good for you!

You may have noticed advertisements for baby foods and other items that include the mention of DHA. Even though the ads make you aware that DHA is a good thing, they do little to explain what it is or how it can help your baby. This post will provide some basic facts about DHA.

DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid, which is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is found in all areas of the body but it is especially known for the benefits it provides to heart, brain and eye health. Studies indicate that DHA is important for all ages.

In fact, DHA plays an important role in the process of eye and brain development for infants and ongoing support and development of the eyes and brains for children. Adults too benefit from DHA.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Even if you are trying to lose weight – you still need to have ‘good’ fats in your diet. These are foods high in polyunsaturated fats. Sources for this include various types of vegetable oils. DHA can also be found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. Seaweed is another good source and DHA is also found in fish oil supplements.

There are 3 major omega-3 acids. The first, as described, is DHA, which  is found in the brain, heart, and eyes. The second omega-3 acid is EPA. Although EPA supports good health, it is not an essential structure component of the heart, brains and eyes. The third omega-3 acid is ALA, which is needed for the health of skin and it serves as a source of energy also helps support the status of DHA and EPA in the body.

Babies and DHA

DHA supports a healthy pregnancy and is found in breast milk. Many infant formulas include DHA.

Babies – especially from birth to 6 months – need DHA to ensure that development of the eyes, brains and nervous system can progress in a healthy manner.

The Rest of Us

Unfortunately, most people don’t consume enough of the right foods to get all the omega-3 fatty acids needed. Although the human body makes DHA, it only makes small amounts. With that in mind, it is important to eat the right foods or to use supplements.

So there you have the basic facts about DHA!

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