DHA fish oils 100 mg pill side effects, medical uses, - DHA supplement health benefit and for memory

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acids are made from a fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is found predominantly in flaxseed oil (also known as linseed) and hemp seed oil. Green leafy vegetables, soybeans, walnuts, and canola oil have small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial because they provide fluidity to cell membranes and improve communication between brain cells. Omega-3s also reduce the clotting ability of platelets, thus potentially decreasing the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Two very important omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). They are found in seafood, especially mackerel, salmon, striped bass, rainbow trout, halibut, tuna, and sardines. Supplements of fish oils that contain EPA and DHA are sold over the counter. DHA is also sold by itself. In the body, DHA is found mostly in the brain, retina, and in sperm. DHA plays an important role in vision. You may also consider reading about krill oil. You can also DHA for children, DHA-children.

DHA Neuromins, 100 mg
Source Naturals

DHA Neuromins is derived from algae, not fish, hence it is a vegetarian source. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid which plays a significant role in cerebral development, especially during the crucial period of fetal development and infancy. Pregnant mothers transfer DHA directly to the fetus to support rapid brain and retina development. DHA is supplied to the newborn via mother's breast milk. Some people have lower concentrations of DHA due to low-fat or vegetarian diets. Supplementation with DHA can help assure adequate amounts to support normal development of the brain and retina.

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DHA Supplement Facts:
DHA - 100 mg*
   Docosahexaenoic Acid (from algal oil)
Suggested Use: 1 to 3 DHA softgels daily.
* DHA daily value not established.

DHA benefits
Fish and fish oils may be beneficial in reducing the risk for heart disease, heart arrhythmias, mental decline, and may also help reduce symptoms of arthritis and several autoimmune conditions. Eating fish and perhaps taking fish oil supplements may also help reduce the risk for macular degeneration. Fish oils are found in sperm, and these oils may support healthy sexual organ function.
    Dr. Malcolm Peet of the Swallownest Court Hospital in Sheffield, England and his colleague found that depressed patients who received a daily dose of 1 gram of an omega-3 fatty acid for 12 weeks experienced a decrease in their symptoms, such as sadness, anxiety and sleeping problems.

Docosahexaenoic acid is the longest and most unsaturated of the omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain. In the fetus and young infant, DHA is essential for proper growth and development of the brain, nervous system, and for the retina of the eyes. However, these functions may make it useful for the treatment and support of a number of other health conditions. DHA may help prevent heart disease and help lower harmful fat levels in the blood stream. Dietary DHA may reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing the level of blood triglycerides in humans. Low levels of DHA result in reduction of brain serotonin levels and have been associated with ADHD, Alzheimer's disease, and depression, among other diseases, and more and more evidence is suggesting that DHA supplementation may be effective in combating such diseases.

Anti-inflammatory activity of DHA supplements
Dietary fish or fish oil rich in n–3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid EPA, reduce inflammatory reactions by various mechanisms. Patients treated with DHA-rich n–3 FAs supplements increase their plasma concentrations of DHA (and EPA), which are associated with reduced release of IL-1beta, IL-6, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

Brain health, memory, Alzheimer's disease
DHA supplements may not be of significant help for memory declines in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, but in healthy people with slight memory complaints these supplements may be helpful. The findings from an 18-month study suggest taking supplements of docosahexenoic acid, or DHA — an omega-3 fatty acid — does not arrest Alzheimer's in people who have already developed the mind-robbing disease. "These trial results do not support the routine use of DHA for patients with Alzheimer's," said Dr Joseph Quinn of Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland. But a six-month company study that looked at people whose memory was slipping just a bit found Martek Biosciences Corp.'s DHA supplements helped restore some of the mental acuity they had lost. "The benefit is roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger," according to Martek researcher Karin Yurko-Mauro. Both studies, which were presented at an international Alzheimer's Association meeting in Vienna, Austria, in July 2009 show the difficulty of treating Alzheimer's disease, which causes memory loss, confusion, the inability to care for oneself and eventually death. It affects 26 million people globally.

Reduce the risk of sudden death with omega-3s
An editorial in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acids, which come from fatty fish or flaxseed oil, and decreasing omega-6 fatty acids, found in plant seed oils such as corn, safflower, and sunflower, is a way to reduce the risk of sudden death from irregular heart rhythms or heart attacks.
   One cause of sudden death is ventricular fibrillation, in which the heart contracts in a fast and chaotic rhythm that makes it unable to pump blood to the rest of the body. A number of factors including cigarette use, fasting, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or heart attack can trigger the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue.
   Fats that we eat are stored in adipose (fat) tissue. When these fats are released from their storage sites, they become free fatty acids. But not all fatty acids are equal in their propensity to cause arrhythmias. High levels of omega-6 fatty acids may encourage arrhythmias if their levels aren’t balanced by omega-3 fatty acids.
   Comments: a year ago the American Heart Association revised its dietary recommendations to include advice to eat two meals of fatty fish – such as salmon or halibut – per week. I recommend those who don’t eat fish to take 3 to 5 fish oil capsules or a teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day and to try reducing their intake of omega-6 oils.

DHA and Alzheimer's disease - could DHA and fish oil supplements help"
In Alzheimer's disease, lesions known as "plaques" and "tangles" form in the brain, due to the abnormal clumping of two proteins called beta-amyloid and tau. If results of a rodent study are confirmed in humans, a diet rich in the fatty acid DHA might interfere with this process. Dr. Frank LaFerla at the University of California at Irvine along with individuals associated with Martek Biosciences Corp., a Maryland-based company that makes a DHA product used in a range of infant formulas, foods and supplements used mice genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer's-like plaques and tangles. At the age of 3 months, the animals were placed on one of four diets. One diet mimicked the typical American diet, with low amounts of omega-3 fats and far higher levels of omega-6 fats, which are found in various vegetable oils, eggs and meat. The other three diets were rich in omega-3 fatty acids; one was supplemented with DHA only, while the other two had added DHA and omega-6 fats. After 9 months, mice on the diet supplemented with DHA alone had lower levels of beta-amyloid and tau in their brain tissue than the animals in the other three groups. Journal of Neuroscience, April 18, 2007.

Influence on skin health
the benefit of omega 3 fatty acids, such as DHA, in patients with atopic eczema was looked into by researchers in Germany. Fifty-three patients with atopic eczema aged 18-40 years were given either DHA 5 grams daily or saturated fatty acids for a period of 8 weeks. DHA therapy resulted in clinical improvement of the atopic eczema.

Fish Oil Interactions with Medicines
Taking fish oil capsules can thin the blood even more when taken along with warfarin (Coumadin)... see study below.

Fish and Fish Oils Could Help Your Eyesight
Do the types of fats and oils we consume have an influence on how well we see as we age? An epidemiological research study completed recently in Australia and published in Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that the incidence of age related macular degeneration (ARMD) is reduced in those who consume fish.
   ARMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 50 and this eye disease is currently incurable. In this condition, central vision is lost, but peripheral vision almost always remains intact. Today an estimated 12 million Americans have some form of the disease.
   The retina lies in the back of the eye and is composed of cells called rods and cones. The retina gathers light and visual information from the outside world. This information is then transmitted through a special nerve bundle, called the optic tract, to an area in the back of the brain called the visual cortex. The visual cortex, in turn, interprets this information.
   The macula is the special central area in the retina used for fine focus such as reading, driving, watching television, and recognizing people. There is a gradual loss of visual acuity as the macula degenerates with age, eventually leading to blindness.
   The study, done by researchers at the Australian National University, evaluated 3654 individuals aged 49 and over. The participants completed a detailed food questionnaire and had photographs taken of their macula. A higher frequency of fish consumption was associated with a decreased incidence of ARMD. It was also found that those with very high levels of cholesterol intake were more likely to have ARMD.
   Why would eating fish be beneficial to the macula? The answer is not fully understood. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Mind Boosters: A Guide to Natural Supplements That Enhance Your Mind, Memory, and Mood (St. Martin's Press, 2000, $13.95), says, "We do know that the retina is chock full of omeg-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in fish oils. These omega-3 fatty acids are known as EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid). Those who eat little fish or whose dietary intake is deficient in omega-3 oils may, over time, develop a shortage of these fatty acids in their macula." He adds, "I often recommend fish oil supplements to individuals whose fish intake is very low. Clinically, I have noticed that fish oil supplements improve focus, color perception and clarity of vision." Dr. Sahelian also recommends his patients consume adequate amount of fruits and vegetables that contain carotenoids and flavonoids, nutrients with antioxidant properties.
Reference: Smith W, Mitchell P, Leeder SR. Dietary fat and fish intake and age-related maculopathy. Arch Ophthalmol 2000 Mar;118(3):401-4; National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory.

DHA lowers lipid levels
Dose-dependent effects of DHA rich fish oil on erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid and blood lipid levels.
Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct 31; School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
Consumption of long-chain n-3 PUFA, particularly DHA, has been shown to improve cardiovascular risk factors but the intake required to achieve benefits is unclear. We sought to determine the relationship between DHA intake, increases in erythrocyte DHA content and changes in blood lipids. A total of sixty-seven subjects completed a 12-week trial. Subjects consumed 2, 4 or 6 g/d of DHA rich fish oil (26 % DHA, 6 % EPA) or a placebo (Sunola oil). Erythrocyte DHA content increased in proportion to the dose of DHA consumed. The close association between incorporation of DHA in erythrocytes and its effects on serum lipids highlights the importance of erythrocyte DHA as an indicator of cardiovascular health status.

Press release by Martek regarding DHA and hypertension
Martek's life's DHA from microalgae successfully reduces diastolic blood pressure in middle-aged subjects, according to an independent study published in the April 2007 issue of the Journal of Nutrition. The study, conducted at King's College, London, reported a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure by DHA. The investigators noted that this reduction is likely to be of clinical significance with regard to risk of future vascular events. This is the first study to assess the effects on blood pressure of intakes of DHA alone at less than 1.0 g per day. The study was neither funded nor sponsored by Martek Biosciences, but used Martek's life's DHA as its algal DHA source. The study involved 38 middle-aged subjects with an average age of 49 and an average blood pressure of 122/79 mmHg. Subjects randomly received either a 0.7 g per day of DHA or placebo for three months. Diastolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 3.3 mmHg. No significant changes occurred in systolic blood pressure. The daily DHA supplement increased DHA levels in red blood cells (erythrocytes) by 58 percent.
   Martek's life's DHA is a vegetarian form of DHA omega-3, a long chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eye and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life. There is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people of all ages, from infants to aging adults, benefit from an adequate supply of DHA omega-3 in the diet. Scientific reviews have noted the importance of DHA omega-3 in proper brain and eye development and function, and there are clinical studies underway to evaluate its role in decreasing the prevalence of certain neurological disorders. Yet despite its importance, Americans have among the lowest dietary intakes of DHA omega-3 in the world. Martek's life's DHA is derived from a sustainable and vegetarian source. Made from microalgae under tightly controlled manufacturing conditions, DHA is free of oceanic contaminants that may be present in certain fish or fish oils. Microalgae are the only vegetarian source of DHA omega-3, the key omega-3 for brain and eye development and function.
   Martek Biosciences Corporation is a leader in the innovation and development of DHA omega-3 products that promote health and wellness through every stage of life. The Company produces life's DHA, a sustainable and vegetarian source of DHA omega-3, for use in foods, beverages, infant formula, and supplements, and ARA (arachidonic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid, for use in infant formula.

Fish oil supplements contain no mercury
ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, released results of its product review of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA) from fish oils. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are fatty acids that have been shown to help reduce cardiovascular disease, reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as showing promise in the treatment of a number of other conditions. A concern with fish oil products has been potential contamination with mercury. ConsumerLab.com purchased 20 dietary supplements containing EPA and/or DHA and tested them for their claimed levels of these ingredients as stated on the label, as well as for mercury contamination and evidence of decomposition. Although six of the products had lower levels of EPA / DHA as stated on the label, none of the twenty products showed evidence of decomposition and none were found to contain detectable levels of mercury.

Press release by Nordic Naturals regarding DHA
Watsonville, CA (January 8, 2007) Nordic Naturals, a supplier of omega-3 fish oils and EFA blends in the natural products industry, introduces Prenatal DHA, developed especially for pregnant women to ensure adequate DHA levels. DHA is an important fatty acid and a vital nutrient for the new mother and developing baby. Two easy-to-swallow 500 mg soft gels of the purified fish oil offer 450 mg DHA. This meets the recommended dosage for pregnant and lactating women agreed upon by respected international organizations and published by ISSFAL in the United Kingdom. The fatty acids are delivered in their natural and highly absorbable triglyceride form. Prenatal DHA™ is third-party tested and surpasses all international standards for purity and freshness. Scientific research confirms the importance of essential fatty acids for prenatal, maternal and neonatal health. DHA comprises about 30% of the fatty tissue in the brain and is essential for proper development of the brain, eyes, nerves and immune system. Studies consistently report that pregnant women in the US and Canada consume far too little of this essential nutrient. According to Gretchen Vannice, MS, RD, Research Coordinator for Nordic Naturals, “Scientists have made important connections between DHA levels and maternal health from pre-conception through breastfeeding. Research indicates that mothers who supplement with DHA -rich fish oils have healthier deliveries.” International nutrition organizations have concluded that pregnant and nursing women need a minimum of 300 mg DHA each day to ensure healthy development of the child within, as well as to support mom’s physical and mental health pre and post-delivery.
“As some large fish species may contain unhealthy levels of Mercury, purified fish oil is a reliable, convenient choice for daily DHA supplementation,” adds Vannice. “A developing baby both during pregnancy and when nursing depends upon its’ mother for DHA. In general, safeguarding DHA levels before and after conception ensures that the body has the building blocks required to support optimal development of the child.”

DHA in organic milk - press release
In may of 2007, Horizon Organic introduced organic milk fortified with DHA omega-3. Studies have shown that DHA nutrient, traditionally found in breast milk and now in most infant formulas, plays a positive role in children's heart, brain and eye health. According to Stanford University pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P, Horizon Organic Milk Plus DHA assists parents to transition children to regular milk from breastfeeding or infant formula without sacrificing the benefits of DHA. All Horizon Organic products are certified organic, produced without the use of antibiotics, added growth hormones or pesticides. Horizon Organic Milk Plus DHA is produced with Martek Biosciences' life's DHA - an all-vegetarian and sustainable source of DHA omega-3 that doesn't alter the flavor of the original milk product. DHA omega-3 is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eyes and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life. Research studies link DHA omega-3 to a range of important health benefits including heart health and proper brain and eye function. There also is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people of all ages, from infants to aging adults, benefit from an adequate supply of DHA omega-3 in the diet. Horizon Organic is joining forces with Dr. Alan Greene, M.D., to underscore its commitment to provide parents with products they need to maintain the health of their children without sacrificing good taste. Dr. Alan Greene, M.D.,, attending pediatrician at the Lucile Packard Hospital at Stanford University and author of From First Kicks to First Steps, has created a comprehensive organic food guide for parents considering a switch to organic foods.
   Comments: It is not clear at this time whether addition of DHA without EPA would cause any long term problems.

Smart Eating for a Smarter Baby
The brain is largely made of fat, and the types of fat we consume can have an influence on how well our brain functions. Most studies show that fish oils (DHA and EPA) are essential to optimal brain function. But does maternal diet influence brain development of the child? There is a growth spurt in the human brain during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first postnatal months, with a large increase in the cerebral content of DHA. The fetus and the newborn infant depend on maternal supply of DHA. Sometimes maternal intake of DHA during pregnancy and lactation is marginal. Researchers at the University of Oslo in Norway examined the effect of supplementing pregnant and lactating women with cod liver oil on mental development of the children, compared with maternal supplementation with corn oil. The study was randomized and double-blinded. A total of 590 pregnant women were recruited in week 18 of pregnancy to take daily 10 mL of cod liver oil or corn oil until 3 months after delivery. The cod liver oil contains DHA and EPA. The corn oil contains linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. All infants of these women were scheduled for assessment of cognitive function at 6 and 9 months of age. As part of the protocol, 135 subjects from this population were invited for intelligence testing with the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) at 4 years of age. The K-ABC is a measure of intelligence and achievement designed for children aged 2.5 years through 12.5 years. Children who were born to mothers who had taken cod liver oil during pregnancy and lactation scored higher on the Mental Processing Composite of the K-ABC at 4 years of age as compared with children whose mothers had taken corn oil. Comments: Women who are pregnant may consider eating more fish, taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements in consultation with their obstetrician.