Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), complete description

The docosahexaenoic acid is a carboxylic acid derived from omega 3-rich foods such as fish and seaweed. It is commonly prepared in oil form and can be purchased in supplement form as pearls. These contain encapsulated fish oil with all the properties and benefits of DHA.

What is docosahexaenoic acid

It is a polyunsaturated fatty acid from the Omega3 series. Very healthy for people and beneficial for both children and adults. Its composition makes it very good for health care. It provides material to maintain vision, care for the retina, synthesize cell membranes, and preserve neurons, nerve tissues, and heart function.

There are countless studies confirming the effectiveness of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids or LC-PUFAs. These have beneficial effects on the heart and mental processes. Docosahexaenoic acid can work well in diseases such as hyperactivity or attention deficit. But it has many more qualities and benefits that we see below.

Properties of docosahexaenoic acid

• Protects the brain.
• Good for cardiovascular system function.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Interferes with platelet aggregation in blood.
• Lowers hypertension.
• Reduces the effects of
• Protects the cell membrane.

Being a polyunsaturated acid, it is considered a good dietary supplement to prevent the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and in the case of the genetic disease hyperlipidemia, it reduces fats in the blood. This makes it particularly beneficial.

Furthermore, this type of carboxylic acid is very good for balancing thought in children. It helps normalize the mind and improves cognitive processes. But also in older adults, young adults, middle-aged people, and elderly individuals.

DHA docosahexaenoic acid is present in much of the body’s tissues, but it is in the brain where its amount increases. It is very present in the brain structure, being a key part of cell membranes. It participates in sending signals and promotes neuron growth.

In the retina, about 30 to 40% of DHA is found in the total fatty acids in the outer segments of the retina. It promotes membrane fluidity and improves the movement of proteins, enzymes, and the transformation of visual signals.

Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA

This is a question some people have as it is quite common to find different names in some products with the same content. But the explanation is simple. Both DHA and docosahexaenoic acid are the same. The difference in their naming comes from whether it’s the English abbreviation or not.

It is common to find references depending on the product you purchase. DHA comes from “docosa hexaenoic acid,” or in Spanish, “ácido docoso hexaenoico.”

It is much easier to find supplements with DHA and omega 3 pearls. The only difference is that the real name will appear on the label, either in English or Spanish.

Where it comes from

Its origin is marine, and it is most commonly produced from fish oil. A large portion of the docosahexaenoic acid content comes from the diet of algae-eating fish, which consume algae that increase the amount of docosahexaenoic acid in the animals that feed on them. As the food chain rises, the percentage increases. Microalgae contain DHA docosa hexaenoic acid, fish eat them, and acquire the amount they have. Humans eat the fish and, in turn, increase their intake of DHA.

Is EPA the same as DHA?

Both are polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, although they are different. EPA is eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA is docosahexaenoic acid, related to another acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is included in the same omega acids group. All of them are essential, necessary for health, and must be obtained through food or supplements.

Omega 3s are precursors of prostaglandins, which regulate tissue activity and control inflammation and immune response.

Is it necessary to take docosahexaenoic acid?

The human body is capable of obtaining it through the conversion of EPA and ALA (eicosapentaenoic and alpha-linolenic acids). The issue arises with the amount the body can naturally convert. This amount is very small, and it often happens that the recommended daily dose of 220 mg per day is not achieved through the conversion of the different fatty acids. So it is best to take it directly, either in supplement form or through food.

However, polyunsaturated fatty acids in pearl, capsule, or liquid form should be taken for a few months and then paused. They should not be overused when added to the diet unless necessary due to a chronic deficiency.

Eating foods with docosahexaenoic acid

• Salmon.
• Herring.
• Anchovies.
• Cod liver oil.
• Microscopic algae (not all species).
• Brown algae.

The recommendation is to eat blue fish at least twice a week to maintain a constant intake of DHA-rich foods or docosahexaenoic acid.

Supplements with docosahexaenoic acid

• Enerzona RX3.
• Cod liver oil.
• Krill oil NKO.

There are many more, but we have already discussed these DHA supplements, so you can find complete information on Enerzona Omega 3. It contains EPA and DHA to improve the cardiovascular system. Although it has some differences, along with cod liver oil, it helps protect and improve vision and defenses. It has many beneficial properties for human health and can be an alternative to krill oil NKO. However, each of these supplements has its function, and at a certain moment, it may be good to take one or the other depending on their composition and the deficiencies we may have.

We encourage you to try it and discover for yourself all the potential it has.