Health Benefits of omega-3 DHA
by: Carla R. McGill, PhD, RD
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat. Polyunsaturated fats are classified into two major groups based on their structure: omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Both types of fatty acids are important for health and some are considered essential because the body cannot make them. The main omega-3 fatty acids found in foods are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is an essential fatty acid in the diet and the body can make some DHA from ALA but the conversion is very inefficient(1,2). This makes dietary sources of DHA important.What are sources of omega-3 DHA?
Fish, especially fatty fish, are the primary sources of DHA in foods. However, fish consumption is typically low in the U.S. in part due to concerns about environmental pollutants and toxins found in certain fish. Americans have low intakes of DHA compared to other parts of the world(1,2). Recently DHA-enriched foods, including eggs and dairy products, have become available.Why is omega-3 DHA important?
Omega-3 DHA helps maintain brain, eye and heart health. DHA is found in cells and tissues throughout the body but is concentrated in the brain, nervous system and retina of the eye. DHA is an important fatty acid throughout life. It is important for supporting mental and visual development in infancy and early childhood. In adults, DHA is important for optimal structure and function of the brain and the eyes. DHA also has a role in supporting healthy blood lipid levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) and promoting a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. The exact relationship between DHA and the cardiovascular system is still being studied(1,2,3). However, based on the current evidence, several scientific bodies, including the American Heart Association, recommend consumption of omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health(4).Omega-3 DHA in Healthy 10
The DHA in Healthy 10, life´sDHA™, is from an algae source that is vegetarian and has no risk of containing environmental pollutants or toxins. This also eliminates concerns associated with seafood allergies. life´sDHA has not been genetically modified and is certified Kosher. Each 8-ounce serving of Healthy 10 provides 32 mg of omega-3 DHA, the amount considered to be an excellent source of DHA per serving(1,2). One serving of Healthy 10 also contains 20% of the Daily Value of vitamin E which functions to protect the stability of DHA both in food and in the body(5).Learn More About...
1. life´sDHA
life´sDHA is a trademark of Martek Biosciences Corporation
References
1. Gebauer SK, Psota TL, Harris WS, Kris-Etherton, PM. n-3 Fatty acid dietary recommendations and food sources to achieve essentiality and cardiovascular benefits. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;83:S1526-S1535.2. Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board (2002). Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids (Macronutrients). The National Academies Press, Washington DC.
3. Van Horn L, McCoin M, Kris-Etherton PM, Burke F, Carson JA, Champagne CM, Karmally W, Sikand G. The evidence for dietary prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. J Am Diet Assoc;2008;108:287-331.
4. Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ; American Heart Association Nutrition Committee. Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation 2002;106:2747-2757.
5. International Life Science Institute (2008). Present Knowledge in Nutrition. Bowman BA and Russell RM, editors. ILSI, Washington DC.
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