DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid, 22:6) is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid found in cell membranes throughout the body and is present in all tissues. It is the most prominent omega-3 fatty acid in neural, retinal and cardiovascular connecting tissue.
- Accounts for 97% of the omega-3 fats in the brain
- Accounts for 93% of the omega-3 fats in the retina
- Key component in heart tissue
- Naturally found in breast milk
Health Benefits
Many scientific studies have proven that DHA has positive health benefits for everyone from pregnant or nursing mothers and infants, to healthy adults, the elderly and especially our pets.
DHA is essential for the proper development and function of brain and eye development throughout life and for maintaining optimal function of the nerve cells in the brain and retina. Increased levels of DHA have also been shown to improve cholesterol, decrease the risk of eye disorders like ARMD, glaucoma, and DES, and lower the risk of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Studies conducted with puppies have shown increased capacity for learning.
General Health Benefits of DHA
- Brain, eye & heart health
- Structural & reparative support
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- DHA is the only Omega-3 to readily accumulate in important neural tissues
Heart - Lowered triglycerides
- Lowered LDL (Bad Cholesterol)
- Increased HDL (Good Cholesterol)
- Stabilizes heart rhythm
- Improves vascular reactivity
Eyes - Decreased risk of ARMD
- Decreased risk of glaucoma
- Decreased risk of DES
Brain - Increased cognitive activity
- Decreased risk of dementia or memory loss
- May slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
- May support cognitive function throughout life
For Healthy Eyes
As the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the eye (retina), supplementing diets with DHA:
- Supports visual and retinal development and function
- Better visual acuity
- Promotes normal development of the eyes
- Helps maintain visual health
What the Research Shows
There is convincing evidence from numerous studies suggesting that increasing the amount of DHA in the diet can have positive benefits on eye health and the mitigation of certain eye-related disorders.
An increase in dietary DHA has been associated with the following benefits:
- Improved development of the rod photoreceptor
- Boost in visual acuity
- Membrane fluidity
- Protective effects against Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), especially in women
- Decreased avascular area of the retina
- Increased vessel regrowth after injury
A deficiency in DHA has been associated with the following effects:
- Increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Impairment of normal retinal function
- For A Healthy Brain
As the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in brain phospholipids and an important structural component of the lipids in the central nervous system, supplementing diets with DHA:
- Supports brain development and function
- Promotes cognitive development
- May help maintain normal cognitive function throughout life
- What the Research Shows
There is convincing evidence from numerous studies suggesting that increasing the amount of DHA in the diet can help support a healthy brain and aid in the prevention of certain brain-related disorders.
An increase in dietary DHA has been associated with the following benefits:
- Facilitation of synaptic transmission
- Support of myelination
- Improvement in learning and memory
- Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- For A Healthy Heart
As a major component of heart tissue, supplementing a patient’s diet with DHA:
- Supports a healthy heart
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Promotes good cardiovascular health
- What the Research Shows
There is compelling research suggesting that diets high in DHA have positive benefits for healthy people, and especially those at risk for, or who have, cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies have shown that increasing the amount of DHA in the diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac death and can have the following effects on cardiovascular health:
Blood Lipid Profile
- Reduced triglycerides
- Increased HDL
- Improved LDL particle size
- Decreased rate of atherosclerotic plaque
- Anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory effects
Blood Pressure - Improved arterial compliance
- Anti-thrombotic effect
- Improved vascular reactivity
- Role in the protection of ischemic stroke
- Lowered blood pressure, slightly
Cardiac Rhythm - Decreased risk of arrhythmias
- Lowered heart rate
- Healthy resting heart rate
