What Is Docosahexaenoic Acid, DHA (22:6 n-3) & What Foods Can I Find It In?
Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, 22:6 n-3, is an omega-3 fatty acid.
DHA is either obtained from the diet or converted in small amounts from eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA. Via docosapentaenoic acid, DPA, as an intermediate.
DHA can be biosynthesized from alpha-linolenic acid, but this does not appear to be very efficient, and it's hard to get enough DHA needed through ALA.
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DHA In The Brain And Eyes
Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, is a polyunsaturated very long-chain omega 3 fatty acid. It is metabolically related to other n-3 fatty acids. (source đź——)
DHA is found in high concentrations in the human brain and eye, where it is linked to better development and function. (source đź——)
You can find all benefits of DHA in Docosahexaenoic Acid, DHA (22:6 n-3 ): 11 Research-Backed Benefits .
DHA Convertion From ALA
DHA can be biosynthesized from alpha-linolenic acid, ALA.
But it does not appear to be very efficient in many individuals.
But the conversion of ALA to DHA is much better in young women than in young men.
Infants may be more efficient converters of ALA to DHA than many adults. (source đź——)
DHA Is So Important For Infants
DHA is abundant in human breast milk. Rarely is DHA added to infant formulas, which is a large problem. (source đź——)
Many infants have been fed formula diets lacking DHA and other important omega-3 fatty acids.
DHA deficiencies are associated with problems like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
But also cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, depression, and aggressive hostility. (source đź——)
Foods You Can Find Docosahexaenoic Acid, DHA (22:6 n-3) In
You find Docosahexaenoic Acid, DHA (22:6 n-3) mostly in fats and oil, american indian and alaska native food, and seafood products.
Examples of food sources include
- Salmon Fish Oil
- Bearded Seal Oil
- Cod Liver Fish Oil
- Sardine Fish Oil
- Menhaden Fish Oil
- Spotted Seal Oil
- Herring Fish Oil
Foods That Contain Docosahexaenoic Acid, DHA (22:6 n-3) In Our Nutrition Tool
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