What is Omega-3 DHA?

Omega-3 DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is a long-chain fatty acid, which belongs to the Omega-3 fatty acid family.

Omega-3 is a group of essential fatty acids, which generally cannot be synthesised by the body in adequate quantities. The 3 main forms of Omega-3 are ALA, EPA and DHA.

DHA and EPA are widely held to be the most important of the Omega-3’s.

Omega-3 DHA and Omega-3 EPA are largely derived from fish oils, with tuna oil containing the highest natural proportion of DHA. Omega-3 ALA is found in plants.

DHA is the most complex form of Omega-3 and is difficult to include in our diet as only few foods contain a significant amount.

Other forms of Omega-3 are inefficiently converted to DHA in our body. Omega-3 DHA is taken up directly into cell membranes, whereas plant-derived fatty acids are not.

Fats account for over 50% of the brain and Omega-3 DHA represents 30% of brain matter.  The highest concentration of Omega-3 DHA in the human body is in the retina.

Omega-3 DHA is an essential component of breast milk, and newborn babies utilise Omega-3 DHA for brain, nerve and eye tissue development.

Human biology is such that we recycle ourselves many times over the human life-span. Unfortunately, this process is not 100% efficient.