Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Oil: Essential Component of Omega-3 Supplements
A healthy diet is an important requirement in an individual’s life for their physical and mental well-being. Most of the nutritional requirements in a person’s life are met through food items they consume on a daily basis.
However, there is an increasing trend of intaking various supplements as there are imbalances in diets owing the changes in lifestyle. Health supplements are available in different forms and combinations to meet the dietary nutritional requirement on a regular basis.
Omega-3 fatty acids also known as Omega-3 oils play an important role in keeping individuals healthy. These acids are of three types in human physiology, namely docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
The below excerpts shed light on one of the essential Omega-3 oils – docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil.
What is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Oil?
DHA oil is one of the key Omega-3 oil, which is the major structural constituent of the skin, brain, cerebral cortex, and retina. In human physiology literature, DHA acid is named 22:6 (n-3). The sourcing of DHA oil along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can be done by synthesizing alpha-linolenic acid and it is also found in fish oil, maternal milk (breast milk), fatty fish, or algae oil.
The body naturally produces DHA acids in small quantities, and hence, need to be sourced from daily meals. However, growing imbalances in diet and consumption of unhealthy food can affect the sufficient sourcing of Omega-3 oil from daily foods. For such individuals, Omega-3 oil supplements are available in offline and online stores to meet DHA oil needs.
Studies suggest that the consumption of DHA and EPA supplements could reduce the coronary heart disease risk, however, the evidence is not conclusive and requires more research. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specified that labels of DHA and EPA supplements should mention that “the daily intake of DHA and EPA should not exceed 2 g.”
Major Health Benefits Provided by Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Oil
The DHA oil supplements are mostly consumed through mouth intake in doses of 400 to 800 mg daily for a six-month period. The Omega-3 supplements offer a range of benefits for improving an individual’s physical and mental health.
Some of the benefits are:
Can Decrease ADHD Problems: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes impulsive behavior and difficulties in concentration. Although these complications begin in childhood they continue on to adulthood as well.
Studies suggest that the common factor in adults and children with ADHD is lower DHA levels in the blood. DHA as a key ingredient of Omega fat in the brain helps in improving blood flow to the brain during tasks. DHA oil supplements can be helpful in improving focus and reducing unwanted behavior.
Curing Depression: According to studies those with depression health issues have lower blood levels of EPA and DHA. Fish oil can prove to be an effective treatment against certain depression conditions. Fish oil that is available over the counter (OTC) contains Omega-3 acids including DHA and EPA, which may affect some of the neurotransmitters’ functioning and brain health.
Infant’s Healthy Growth: DHA is vital for the healthy growth and development of the central nervous system (CNS) and visual functioning in infants. The infant’s requirement for DHA can be met by breastfeeding. The mothers are required to ensure their health and diet for babies to get sufficient DHA during breastfeeding.
Lowering Heart Disease Risk: Omega-3 fats are often recommended supplements for individuals with heart disease. DHA and EPA both support strengthening heart health, however, studies done with DHA have found that it alone may enhance the omega-3 index and improvement in cholesterol profile.
Reducing Menstrual Pain: The regular intake of fish oil is found to be reducing menstrual cramp pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of DHA are responsible for reducing pain and inflammation associated with menstrual cramps.
What is Fueling the Demand for Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Oil?
Health awareness has increased across the world in recent years due to the emergence of COVID-19. Individuals have begun taking one or more multivitamins and mineral dietary supplements to strengthen their immune systems. This is propelling the demand for Omega-3 oil supplements, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil.
The health benefits offered by Omega-3 supplements are attracting people with busy lifestyles to include these supplements in their nutritional supplements. These supplements are able to balance the nutritional needs of an individual on a regular basis in their busy lifestyle.
