All you need to know about omega 3 dha

DHA is a fatty acid essential for healthy brain and eye function. It is produced naturally by the body, through a conversion process, from αlinolenic acid.

It is also found in the diet, in small oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, herring...

We now know that DHA production declines with age, while the body's needs increase. We also know that DHA is not sufficient to cover needs during pregnancy.

Hence the importance of DHA supplementation for seniors and pregnant women.

100% natural DHA is found in the algae Schizochytrium sp. [1], and it is possible to extract an oil from this algae that is extremely rich in omega-3 DHA.

Omega-3 DHA algae: a 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 is distinguished by its 100% plant-based 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 the process and reduce the final synthesis of DHA. For this reason, it is preferable to consume oily fish to benefit from a direct supply of DHA, requiring no processing. With a 100% plant-based diet, DHA intake depends solely on the body's own production. Given the various factors influencing DHA production, DHA deficiency in vegans is not uncommon.

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

By encouraging plant-based consumption of omega 3 DHA from algae, this offers the benefit of limiting the problems associated with over-fishing and heavy metal contamination of oily fish.

The benefits of omega 3 DHA

Regular consumption of omega-3 DHA helps to balance the omega-6 / omega-3 balance: ultra-processed food contains far too much omega-6 to the detriment of omega-3.

The body's production of DHA diminishes with age. It is therefore recommended that seniors take DHA externally. DHA is a component of cell membranes, enabling greater fluidity and better cell communication.

The 3 benefits of DHA :

• Cognition, DHA for the brain: protecting the cognitive system
  Maintaining an optimal lipid composition in 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 numerous mechanisms in the body, essential for healthy aging. It supports the brain's neurotransmission capacity and improves membrane fluidity.
• Dha for eyes
  Dha helps maintain normal vision. It is the main constituent of the retina, and 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. The mother's 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.