DHA omega 3, also known as Docosahexaenoic Acid, is a long chain of fatty acids. The body cannot synthesize omega 3, which is a group of essential fatty acids. There are three major forms of omega 3 – DHA, EPA and ALA.
Many believe that EPA and DHA are the most important forms of omega 3. They are generally derived from fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, herring and others. ALA, on the other hand, is derived from plants.
DHA omega 3 is the most complex form of fatty acid and it is difficult to include in the diet because there are only few food sources that have significant amounts. The human body has other forms of omega 3 which are inadequately converted to DHA. The cell membranes have a difficult time in directly taking up fatty acids from plants compared to DHA omega 3.
To help improve the supply of DHA in the body, you may get DHA fatty acids from various food sources. Others choose to take supplements to boost the increase of DHA in the body. Since fish and fish oils have higher DHA fatty acids, supplements are usually derived from them instead from natural sources such as plants.
The human brain is 50% fat and DHA omega 3 represents 30% of brain matter. The retina has the highest concentration of omega 3 in the body. Omega 3 can also be found in breast milk, which in turn provides newborn infants nutrition for their nerve, eye tissue and brain development.
Through studies, the connection between DHA and well-known health problems have been identified. In the west, there are many medical and behavioral conditions that seem to be linked to the diminishing consumption of omega 3-rich foods. And since the human body cannot properly synthesize omega 3, food and supplements are the next best resources to obtain this fatty acid. Consuming omega 3 foods can help avoid the depletion of DHA in the body.
DHA omega 3 deficiency in the human body can be supplemented with food sources and fish oil supplements. It is possible to improve the DHA requirement of your body by eating DHA-rich foods and taking the recommended dose of supplement. Significant amounts of DHA fatty acids can boost your health. If you plan to take supplements, make sure to ask your doctor for options and get to know the possible risks and effects to your health.