Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA ) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid. The three major types of omega-3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from food such as fish (salmon, tuna etc.), other marine life (algae and krill) and nut oils (flaxseed oil , canola, walnut etc.). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA , the two types of omega-3 fatty acids that are more readily used by the body. Most of the DHA can be obtain from fish source which originates from photosynthetic and heterotrophic microalgae. DHA is also commercially manufactured from microalgae.
Dietary DHA may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing the level of blood triglycerides in the body. Besides that, DHA is a major fatty acid in sperm. Hence, it is important for the male to obtain sufficient amount of DHA for healthy sperms production. DHA is also important for brain and retina development especially in growing children and pregnant mother.
It is vital to understand and choose the best source of DHA. DHA derived from plant source are more easily to digest and absorb by the body. A study of algae-derived DHA in infant nutrition found that preterm infants fed baby formulas fortified with DHA derived directly from algae gained weight faster than infants fed formula fortified with DHA from fish oil. In addition, there are no risks of harmful contaminants like methyl mercury or dioxins, which may be present in fish and fish oils due to contaminations.
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