Learn What DHA Supplements Can Do for Your Body
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in cold water fatty fish and fish oil supplements along with EPA. It is also available as DHA supplements or as a component in fish oil supplements.
DHA is important in the development of the nervous system and visual abilities during the early phases of a life, particularly the first six months. It also plays a role in proper brain function in adults. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important in helping to lower the risk of heart disease.
The human body produces some DHA but not enough and therefore it must be obtained through diet and the use of DHA supplements.
DHA Supplement Benefits
DHA offers many benefits to health in addition to helping prevent heart disease. Some of the benefits are still under research but are based on what is known about DHA and how it functions to help the human body.
ADHD
DHA supplements are being researched as a possible treatment for ADHD in children. It is already known that omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for the development of children’s brains and studies are underway to determine if DHA supplements might reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Thus far, studies are mixed and no conclusive results have been reached.
Menstrual Pain
When taken on a regular basis, fish oil has been shown to reduce the pain associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle. It must be taken daily to get results, not just during menstruation.
Heart Disease
The most common health benefits of DHA supplements are the positive effects it has on heart disease, both in preventing it and in helping with the treatment of it.
Omega fatty acids help to lower triglycerides, lower blood pressure, improve the heart’s arteries, reduce the risk of blood clots and reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This is beneficial in not only preventing the onset of heart disease but in living with heart disease.
The use of DHA supplements is being studied in other health issues, including depression, infant development, and more. As these tests are concluded more information will be released on how to use DHA supplements for these conditions.
Where to Find DHA
DHA can be found naturally in salmon, tuna, particularly bluefin tuna, mackerel, and other cold water fatty fish. Cold water fish contain low levels of mercury but the FDA has determined that eating several servings per week poses no danger. However, certain groups of people should still refrain from eating them, particularly pregnant women.
A better source would be to purchase DHA supplements from top quality manufacturers who test for purity and toxins. This insures that not only is DHA being added, mercury and other toxins are not.
DHA supplements are a simple way to add omega-3 fatty acids to the nutrition program and protect the heart from heart disease as well as many other health issues. For many people it is a better choice than adding fish to the diet.