DHA Omega-3 for Every Age and Every Stage of Life

All Omega-3s Are Not Created Equal

You hear a lot of claims about omega-3s today, especially as additives to foods. All three major omega-3 fatty acids listed below are needed by the body, but not equally so. DHA plays the most important role in visual and mental development throughout life.

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the brain and retina, representing about 97% and 93% of all omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and eyes respectively. It is an important structural component of the nerve cells in the brain and eyes and a key component of heart tissue. DHA is also a natural component of breast milk.

• Important for healthy brain, eye and nervous system development in infants
• Key component of the heart and one of long-chain the omega-3s recommended by the American Heart Association and the USDA Dietary Guidelines for good cardiovascular health
• During pregnancy, DHA supports maternal health and promotes a full term gestational age (37 to 42 weeks)
• Plays a key role in the anti-inflammatory process
• Original source: microalgae. The DHA-rich oil is extracted for use as an enrichment in foods, supplements and infant formulas
• Dietary sources: fatty fish and organ meats

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid important for human health. However, unlike DHA, EPA is not found in significant levels in the brain or retina and is not considered a significant structural part of the body.

• Plays a role in cardiovascular health and is one of the long-chain omega-3 recommended by the American Heart Association and the USDA Dietary Guidelines for good cardiovascular health
• Shown to help reduce chronic inflammation by modifying the immune response
• Dietary sources: fatty fish. DHA and alpha-linolenic acid can also be converted by the body into EPA

ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) an essential fatty acid, is a shorter-chain omega-3 that serves as a source of energy, needed for skin health, and serves as a building block for EPA.

• 5-10% of ALA is converted to EPA and less than 1% of ALA is converted to DHA^18-25
• No known independent benefits of ALA on the brain or retina
• Dietary sources: flaxseeds, walnuts and canola

The Distinct Benefits of Omega-3s