What is DHA Powder (Docosahexaenoic Acid)?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid.

It's 22 carbons long, has 6 double bonds and is mainly found in seafood, such as fish, shellfish, fish oils and some types of algae.

It's a component of every cell in your body and a vital structural component of your skin, eyes and brain.

In fact, DHA makes up over 90% of the omega-3 fatty acids in your brain and up to 25% of its total fat content.

Since your body can't make DHA in significant amounts, you need to get it from your diet or supplements.

1. DHA Powder Effects on the Brain

DHA is the most abundant omega-3 in your brain and plays a critical role in its development and function.

Brain levels of other omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA, are typically 250–300 times lower.

• It Plays a Major Role in Brain Development
• It May Have Benefits for the Aging Brain
• Low Levels Are Linked to Brain Diseases

2. DHA Powder Effects on Eyes and Vision

DHA is a very important membrane component in the eye. It helps activate a protein called rhodopsin, a membrane protein in the rods of the eye.

3. DHA Powder Effects on Heart Health

Omega-3 fatty acids have generally been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.Their intake can improve many risk factors for heart disease, including:

• Blood triglycerides: Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids may reduce blood triglycerides by up to 30%.
• Blood pressure: The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils and fatty fish may reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure .
• Cholesterol levels: Fish oils and omega-3s may lower total cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels.
• Endothelial function: DHA may protect against endothelial dysfunction, which is a leading driver of heart disease

4. DHA Powder Other Health Benefits

DHA may also protect against the development of other diseases, including:

• Arthritis: It reduces inflammation in the body and may alleviate the pain and inflammation in the joints of people with arthritis.
• Cancer: It may make it more difficult for cancer cells to survive. It may also cause them to die via programmed cell death .
• Asthma: It may reduce asthma symptoms, possibly by blocking mucus secretion and reducing blood pressure.

DHA Powder is Especially Important During Pregnancy, Lactation and Childhood

DHA is critical during the last months of pregnancy and early in a baby's life.

Babies up to the age of two have a greater need for it than older children and adults.Their brains are growing rapidly, and need high amounts of DHA to form vital cell membrane structures in the brain and eyes.

Therefore, DHA intake can dramatically affect brain development.

How Much DHA Powder Do You Need?

1.Children up to the age of two may need 4.5–5.5 mg/lb (10–12 mg/kg) of body weight, while older children may need up to 250 mg per day.

2.Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers are advised to get at least 200 mg of DHA, or 300–900 mg of combined EPA and DHA, per day .

3.People with mild memory complaints or cognitive impairments may benefit from 500–1,700 mg of DHA per day to improve brain function.

4.Vegetarians and vegans are often lacking in DHA and should consider taking microalgae supplements that contain DHA .

5.Interestingly, Curcumin— the active compound in turmeric — may enhance DHA absorption in the body. It's linked with many health benefits, and animal studies have shown that it may boost DHA levels in the brain.

Therefore, Curcumin may be helpful when supplementing with DHA.