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 αlinolenic acid.

It is also found in food, in small fatty fish such as sardines, mackerel, herring, etc.

We now know that DHA production decreases with aging while the body's needs increase. We also know 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 usually come from fatty fish oils. People adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet are generally deficient in omega 3 DHA, which is essential for the development of the body. Omega 3 DHA from Schizochytrium sp algae. are distinguished by their 100% plant origin. They are therefore suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

The conversion process in the body of omega 3 and 6 is long and complex. Other external factors such as stress can make it more complex and reduce the final synthesis of DHA. This is why it is preferable to consume fatty fish to benefit from a direct supply of DHA, requiring no processing. When eating a 100% plant-based diet, DHA intake depends solely on production by the body. Given the different factors influencing the latter, a DHA deficiency in vegan people is not uncommon.

This is why omega 3 DHA supplementation for vegans is recommended.

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 100% natural Omega 3 DHA contributes to the balance of the omega-6 / omega-3 balance: ultra-processed foods contain far too much omega-6 to the detriment of omega-3.

The body's production of DHA decreases with age. Seniors are therefore recommended an external intake of DHA. 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 omega-3 in the brain and seems to influence numerous mechanisms in the body, essential for good aging. It supports the neurotransmission capabilities of the brain and improves membrane fluidity.
• Dha for the eyes
  Dha contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. it is the main constituent of the retina. its contribution plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of visual function.
• Dha for pregnant women: pre and post natal development
  The mother's DHA intake, 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 breast-fed 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.