DHA fish oils

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 or to buy Krill-Oil. You can also find DHA for children here, 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.

Click DHA to purchase or to subscribe to a very popular and FREE newsletter

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.

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.

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 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.”