Friday Sept 27, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that can be found in cold water fatty fish like salmon and algae/seaweed.  It can be found in fish oil sold as a supplement which comes often with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), another omega-3 fatty acid.

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to benefit the heart and the brain even though not all studies are consistent.  DHA is particularly important for infants during the first 6 months of their lives as many parts of their bodies such as the brain and eyes need this omega-3 fatty acid. That is one of the reasons why mother's milk is so important because for one thing it contains DHA.  That is also why DHA is added to some infant formulas.

Human bodies can make some DHA, but not a whole lot. Therefore, it should largely come from the foods they eat or dietary supplements they take.  Nutritionists say most Westerners do not have sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids including DHA.

Medical conditions that may benefit from the omega 3 fatty acid DHA

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is often diagnosed in children who need omega-3 fatty acids to develop normally.  ADHD is a psychiatric disorder which results from an abnormal neurodevelopment.  Because omega-3 fatty acids are believed to benefit the brain, researchers tested omega-3 fatty acids/fish oil and found fish oil may reduce ADHA symptoms.  But like any drug, omega-3 fatty acids should not be expected to help all patients who use them.

Depression

Depression is also a mental disorder.  Some studies have discovered fish oil reduces symptoms of depression, but it remains unknown what component in fish oil renders the therapeutic effect. Some studies suggest that EPA may play a role.

Heart Disease

Fish oil seems to benefit people with heart disease.  Of course, it can also prevent the disease from developing in the first place.  It makes sense that fish oil helps heart disease because the nutritional supplement offers omega-3 fatty acids which have been found to lower triglycerides (blood fats ), lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots, improve the health of arteries, and reduce the arterial plaque, which deposits on the inner wall of arteries and causes heart disease.

Because it is not often enough for people to eat oily fish such as salmon, herring, trout, sardines and albacore tuna, two servings of which per week are recommended by the American Heart Association, people, particularly those who have heart disease may need to take omega3-fatty acids or DHA to help their health condition.

DHA Benefits for Infants

DHA is known to play a crucial role in the development of the central nervous system and visual function in infants and young children.  It is particularly important for infants who are not breast-fed to take supplements or baby foods with this nutrient.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil may reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.  A recent observational study in Annals of Rheumatoid Diseases shows that people who had high intake of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.  The study was conducted by Professor Alicja Wolk from Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden and colleagues.

Menstrual Pain

Fish oil appears to decrease the pain of menstrual cramps in women who take the supplement regularly.  This suggests that fish oil is important for women's health.

Raynaud Syndrome

Some studies show 12 grams of fish oil per day can reduce some symptoms of Raynaud syndrome such as sensitivity to cold in the fingers and toes in people living with the condition. This dose is considered high because it is unusual for anyone to have such a high intake.  while some people may hesitate to take such a high dose, some evidence suggests that taking this high dose of DHA may not pose any health risk, at least for a few months.  A cancer patient who used greater than 10 grams of DHA (15 grams) and other nutrients each day for months cured his lung cancer, but did not experience any side effect.

Lupus

Some studies also suggest taking fish oil supplements can reduce fatigue and joint pain in people with lupus.  But if you experience faigue for unknown reasons, you may try Red Korean Ginseng extract and royal jelly.

Sexual Health

Eating cold water fatty fish or taking fish oil supplements may help men's health.  This should not be a surprise as fish oil is good for the heart.  Any heart condition may interfere with men's sexual health.  Men who want to have a high desire and produce semen quickly and in a large amount may consider taking some fish oil supplements from time to time in addition to other foods such as garlic, vitamin C and an amino acid arginine supplement.  Oily fish should work better than fish oil because it does not only provide omega-3 fatty acids, but proteins men need.

Cautions

Women who are pregnant or plan to get pregnant should avoid certain fish including king mackerel, shark, swordfish and tilefish, which carry high levels of mercury and other toxins.  White albacore tuna should not be the main fish for anyone to eat because it has high levels of mercury.

Dosage

One to 3 grams of DHA per day are generally considered safe, but some research indicates that up to 15 grams of DHA per day for months may not pose a risk in healthy adults.

If one prefers eating oily fish, then 2 to 3 servings a day can provide 1.25 gram EPA and DHA per day.  Often 3 to 4 grams of fish oil per day can be found in fish oil supplements.

Precautions

Like other supplements, fish oil which has both DHA and EPA may not be recommended for infants or small children becausip and EPA during early development. Pregnant women should talk to their physician prior to taking fish oil supplements.  But there should be no risk if they take fish oil supplements in moderation.  (DL)