Everything you need to know about omega 3 dha
DHA is a fatty acid essential for the proper functioning of the brain and eyes. It is produced naturally by the body, through a conversion process, from α-linolenic acid.
It is also found in food, in small oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, herring, etc.
It is now known that DHA production decreases with age while the body's needs increase. It is also known that DHA is not sufficient to cover needs during pregnancy.
Hence the interest in DHA supplementation for seniors and pregnant women.
100% natural DHA is found in the algae Schizochytrium sp. [1] and it is possible to extract from this algae an oil extremely rich in omega-3 DHA.
Omega 3 DHA Algae: 100% Vegan Alternative to Supplementation
DHA supplements are usually derived from oily fish oils. People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are generally deficient in omega 3 DHA, which is essential for the body's development. Omega 3 DHA from Schizochytrium sp. algae are distinguished by their 100% plant origin. They are therefore suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
The process of converting omega 3 and 6 in the body is long and complex. Other external factors such as stress can further complicate it and reduce the final synthesis of DHA. This is why it is preferable to consume oily fish to benefit from a direct intake of DHA, requiring no transformation. When eating a 100% plant-based diet, DHA intake depends solely on the body's production. Given the different factors influencing the latter, a DHA deficiency in vegans is not uncommon.
This is why omega 3 DHA supplementation is recommended for vegans.
By promoting plant-based consumption of omega 3 DHA from algae, this offers the benefit of limiting the problems linked to overfishing and the contamination of oily fish by heavy metals.
The benefits of omega 3 dha
Regular consumption of Omega 3 DHA 100% natural contributes to the balance of omega-6 / omega-3: ultra-processed food contains far too much omega-6 to the detriment of omega-3.
The body's production of DHA decreases with age. Seniors are therefore recommended to take external DHA supplements. DHA is part of the composition of cell membranes, it allows greater fluidity and better cellular communication.
The 3 benefits of Omega 3 DHA :
- Cognition, DHA for the brain: protection of the cognitive system
Maintaining an optimal lipid composition of the brain, i.e. rich in DHA, is essential as we age. DHA represents 90% of the brain's omega-3s and appears to influence many mechanisms in the body, essential for healthy aging. It supports the brain's neurotransmitter capabilities and improves membrane fluidity. - Dha for eyes
DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. It is the main constituent of the retina. Its intake plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of visual function. - Dha for pregnant women: pre and post natal development
The mother's intake of DHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding provides the fetus and newborn with the DHA it needs for its development.Maternal consumption of DHA contributes to the normal development of the eyes and brain of the fetus and breastfed child.
Sources
[1] Ashford a. & al. : Electron microscopy may reveal structure of docosahexaenoic acid-rich oil within Schizochytrium sp. Lipids. 2000 dec;35(12):1377-86.
