What does dha do for the body

Find out the significant role Omega-3 EPA and DHA fatty acids play in your health and how obtaining support for your whole body has never been easier.

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These two types of Omega-3 are in every cell in our bodies and make up an important part of a healthy diet1.

There are two particularly important fatty acids – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA have distinct roles and actions in the body.2 Not only are they important for our body to function, but they also deliver fundamental health benefits to our vital organs. DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision and brain function3 while DHA and EPA together contribute to the normal function of the heart.4 But, did you know your body cannot make Omega-3 from scratch and it can only be obtained through your diet or supplementation.

What is a fatty acid?

Fatty acids are the building blocks of the fat in our bodies and in the food we eat. During the process of digestion, the body breaks down fats into fatty acids, which can then be absorbed into the blood.

Sources of DHA and EPA

These beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in oily fish – such as salmon, fresh tuna, mackerel and herring. The UK government recommends that we eat at least two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily5 And while you can choose from fresh, frozen, smoked and canned fish, it is wise to remember that smoked and canned fish may contain higher levels of salt, so always check the food labels to choose the lower salt varieties6.

Supplementary support of EPA & DHA

Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil are good sources of Omega-3 and taking supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids such as those in Seven Seas Omega-3 & Immunity or in our Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil range can help top up your intakes of Omega-3.

For those who do not like to eat oily fish, a supplement can be an easy alternative to top up your diet with Omega-3 nutrients that are a great addition for your body’s health.

6 Major Benefits of EPA and DHA For Your Health

It has been scientifically demonstrated that your brain needs the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to function optimally. Though not technically classed as essential, these fatty acids are called essential for a reason – our bodies need them, and the only sure way to get enough of them is through foods or supplements. Let’s take a closer look at these two most important omega-3 fatty acids.

Power Team: EPA + DHA

Humans need a variety of fatty acids for our cell membranes to function. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are essential to the functioning of all our 30 trillion cells. They’re building blocks for the membrane systems that do most of the heavy lifting for our cells.

We require premade EPA+DHA from our diet. Unfortunately, the modern diet has an unhealthy balance of fatty acids: we get an abundance of saturated and omega-6 fatty acids and not nearly enough omega-3s. Also, most of the omega-3s we do get must be converted to EPA+DHA, which the body doesn’t do effectively.

Numerous surveys indicate populations that don’t consume a lot of seafood (such as the U.S.) don’t get sufficient supplies of EPA and DHA from their diet. Since plant foods don’t supply them, the main dietary sources of EPA and DHA are cold-water fish and dietary supplements. Considering the widespread contamination of seafood by mercury and other toxins, many experts advise that taking a purified fish oil supplement could be a smart choice.

 1. Promotes Healthy Mood

EPA+DHA have been tested on adults with mood problems in at least 26 randomized, controlled clinical trials. Two meta-analyses, which analyze the data pooled from all the best trials, have concluded that these omega-3s are consistently beneficial for mood. These meta-analyses also suggest that fish oils with more EPA than DHA work better, with the best ratio being around 1.5 to 1 EPA to DHA.

Children and adolescents with mood difficulties commonly have problems with academic performance, self-esteem, and socialization. In two clinical trials with youth aged 7-14 years, EPA+DHA 1600 mg per day (1400 mg EPA, 200 mg DHA) for 12 weeks substantially improved coping with distraction and stress – as well as mood, irritability, and self-esteem – compared with placebo.

 2. Improves Attention and Behavior

Children and adolescents with attention and learning challenges often have low Omega-3 Index values (about 3% on average, compared to a healthy 8% or higher). A 2018 meta-analysis concluded that supplementation with EPA+DHA improved parental reports of attention and behavior, as well as mental focus on cognitive tests. The researchers concluded that to ensure the most benefit, the EPA dose should be at least 500 mg per day.

 3. Essential for the Heart and Circulation

Numerous health agencies worldwide recommend EPA and DHA for promoting and enhancing cardiovascular health. Meta-analyses clearly indicate that supplementation with EPA+DHA at doses of 2-3 grams per day can promote healthy triglyceride status and blood pressure regulation. Additionally, EPA+DHA supplementation can improve blood vessel function, especially their capacities for relaxation and flexibility.

 4. Supports Healthy Immunity

The immune system is the body’s security force. When the body is invaded, it goes on full alert to eliminate the threat. EPA and DHA support healthy immune responsiveness.

Having sufficient EPA+DHA in our tissues gives the immune system the option to generate messengers from them to coordinate its activities. Healthy immunity is held in delicate balance by EPA and DHA. No other omega-3s can substitute for EPA and DHA in this crucial role.

 5. Vital for Healthy Pregnancy

Babies of mothers who have good EPA+DHA status through pregnancy have a lower risk for problems with mood, cognition, and behavior in their early childhood. DHA, the predominant omega-3 in our cell membranes, is essential to the developing fetal heart, brain, and retina.

A meta-analysis of 38 trials concluded that children born to mothers with higher prenatal EPA+DHA intakes show better motor, vision, and cognitive development in their first two years of life. Yet U.S. women on average have considerably lower EPA+DHA intakes than recommended by the U.S. National Institute of Medicine.

 6. Total Brain and Body Protection

EPA and DHA have been shown to protect brain circulatory function and preserve memory and other cognitive capacities. EPA and DHA support many other organs and body systems including the liver (by preventing triglyceride buildup), the joints (promoting joint comfort), eyes (essential for retinal function), and muscles (protecting against mobility loss as we age).

With strong evidence supporting the positive effects of omega-3s EPA and DHA on the brain, heart, and entire body, taking a fish oil supplement daily can have a significant impact on individual wellness. BrainMD is proud to recommend its new, high EPA and DHA premium liquid fish oil…

Try BrainMD’s Omega-3 Power Squeeze – Liquid Omega-3 Supplement!

Omega-3 Power Squeeze is a pleasant-tasting fish oil liquid emulsion, customized for children and adults seeking an alternative to taking large capsules. It delivers 910mg EPA and 590 DHA, as their triglyceride forms that occur naturally in fish, for a total of 1500 mg per serving.

Omega-3 Power Squeeze FAQ

Is Omega-3 Power Squeeze well absorbed?

Yes. The advanced emulsification technology behind Omega-3 Power Squeeze makes it better absorbed than fish oil that is not emulsified. However, since individuals differ in their absorption and utilization of EPA and DHA, it would be prudent to measure your Omega-3 Index every 4-5 months and increase your daily intake as needed to cross the 8% threshold.

With concerns over mercury and other potential toxins, how safe is Omega-3 Power Squeeze?

The ultra-pure fish oil in Omega-3 Power Squeeze is extracted in its natural triglyceride form from wild-caught, sustainably harvested fish. It is maintained fresh while being tested by independent labs to exclude over 250 toxic contaminants, such as mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and other heavy metals, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), furans, and other substances. It is gently purified and then emulsified for better absorption and taste.

Is it fishy or unpleasant tasting?

No. One serving of this citrus-flavored emulsion gives the body at least 5 times more EPA and DHA than a serving of conventional fish or krill oil, without the fishy smell/taste or unpleasant reflux problems experienced with many fish oils.

Is it safe for pregnant/lactating women?

Not only is the EPA and DHA in Omega-3 Power Squeeze safe, but it’s also absolutely vital for a healthy pregnancy and for breastfeeding. Also, the US National Academies recommend omega-3s for toddlers and older children. Children aged 1-3 can take a half tablespoon every other day.

Is it safe to take Omega-3 Power Squeeze with other BrainMD products?

Absolutely! We recommend pairing this supplement with NeuroVite Plus, our unique brain directed multiple. Together these are an excellent means for closing the nutrient gaps in today’s diet.

For users seeking to optimize their memory, Omega-3 Power Squeeze also can be taken along with Bright Minds Memory Powder. This powder delivers a clinically effective dose of phosphatidylserine (PS), the nutrient best documented for memory, along with the vital vitamins and minerals of NeuroVite Plus.

Does this supplement contain allergens?

It is free from dairy, glutens, sugar, corn, soy, nuts, eggs, yeast, and artificial colorings or flavorings. It is also non-GMO.

Getting adequate amounts of EPA and DHA is a great way to improve overall brain and body function and well-being. The ultra-pure EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids in this well absorbed, proprietary fish oil liquid promote positive mood, healthy attention, and whole-body health. Try Omega-3 Power Squeeze today!

At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients and standardized herbal ingredients to support your overall well-being. For more information about Omega-3 Power Squeeze and our full list of supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.

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Keith has been a member of the BrainMD team for several years, providing his research and writing talents. Keith is grateful to have the opportunity to write about supplements since many of them have made a dramatic difference in his life. He is often heard around the office saying, “We have supplements for that.”

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