DHA Supplement: An Overview Of Its Benefits And Uses
Getting essential fatty acids is vital for optimizing health and wellness. Today, many people turn to supplements such as DHA or Docosahexaenoic Acid. This supplement belongs to the Omega-3 family of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
So what is dha supplement? This powerful supplement can provide a wide range of benefits, from optimal brain health to reduced inflammation throughout the body.
Read on to learn what it is and the uses and benefits of taking a quality DHA.
INDEX
What is a DHA?
Health Benefits of Taking DHA Supplement
What to Remember When Taking the Supplement
Where to Buy
Conclusion
What is a DHA?
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid, are vital to a healthy lifestyle. Everybody produces DHA in small amounts. To ensure the amount is enough for optimal functioning, you need more of it from your diet.
DHA is found in cold-water fish like salmon and tuna and in vegetarian sources like seaweed. This supports heart health and the development of the brain, eyes and nervous systems.
With enough levels of DHA, communication between nerve cells flows smoothly. This allows them to function at their best and optimizes your body’s performance overall.
Health Benefits of Taking DHA Supplement
Pregnant moms and adults alike know that getting enough DHA to stay healthy is essential. Some of DHA health benefits may include the following:
Support your nervous system
DHA is a fatty acid that forms an essential part of brain health for people of all ages. From infancy to adulthood, DHA plays a critical role in proper cognitive development. Lower DHA is linked to a higher chance of autism and ADHD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ADHD is becoming far more prevalent in both adults and children and lower DHA has been identified as a clear factor in this disorder.
For adults specifically, this important nutrient helps maintain normal homeostasis within the brain. The DHA improves memory, along with higher levels of mental clarity in later life.
Improve vision and eye health
DHA plays a significant part in infants’ visual development. It’s because the retina contains an abundance of this essential eye vitamin. This helps maintain good sight and overall visual performance.
For older ages, ensuring the diet can protect vision can be vital. Consuming more DHA might help lower the dangerous ratio between omega-6 and an omega-3 fatty acid.
Supports healthy inflammatory responses
DHA is especially beneficial in supporting healthy inflammatory responses throughout our bodies. It helps to facilitate communication between cell receptors and bolsters immune responses.
DHA is versatile and easy to integrate into one’s diet due to its prevalence in a variety of healthful foods. This supports healthy inflammation processes, so give your body the DHA it needs for optimal health and functioning.
Lowers risk of heart disease
Eating fish is an easy way to promote good heart health. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA helps reduce inflammation. Plus, it supports cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and raising “good” cholesterol levels.
Regularly including DHA-rich foods can help protect you from developing cardiac arrhythmias. These are associated with a higher risk for heart disease.
Support good pregnancy outcomes
During pregnancy, expecting mothers often take a daily dose of DHA into their diet. This is to help ensure the best possible development for their baby.
Pregnant women taking DHA may experience better outcomes. This includes a decreased risk of early preterm labor and fewer babies born before 34 weeks. Supplemented pregnancies often result in shorter hospital stays for preterm infants.
What to Remember When Taking the Supplement
DHA supplements are available in various forms, including pills, liquids, and powders. The dosage can vary depending on the form, gender, age and intended use.
Here are some ways to take DHA supplements:
- Follow the recommended dosage. The manufacturer’s recommended dosage of DHA supplements depends on different factors. So be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
- Consult with a healthcare professional. Before taking any new supplement, it’s vital to consult to determine the right dosage for you.
- Store the supplement properly. Most DHA supplements must be kept in a cool and dry place. This is to ensure maximum freshness and effectiveness.
- Monitor the side effects. DHA can be a beneficial supplement when taken correctly. But, people should always stay within the recommended dosage of 3 grams daily. Taking too much DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids may slow blood clotting. That’s why make sure to stay within the guidelines.
Where to Buy
With the health benefits, DHA supplements are popular and available in the following:
- drugstores;
- grocery stores;
- natural-food outlets; and
- online specialized dietary and nutritional supplement stores such as Quality of Life.
There may be long-term rewards in taking DHA while pregnant. This plays a key role in aiding growing infants’ development and essential functions.
Supporting a healthy pregnancy should be an important part of any mom’s journey. That’s why talking to your physician is the best way. This is to ensure that you’re making informed decisions on what supplements and vitamins could benefit both mother and baby.
Conclusion
DHA or any fish oil supplements is an important part of your diet. It helps you get the essential nutrients your body needs to function properly.
There are many benefits of DHA supplementation, including supporting cognitive health and cardiovascular health. If you’re finding ways to improve your overall health, consider adding a DHA.