DHA
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DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid often recommended to women during pregnancy. Thought to protect against a number of pregnancy-related complications, DHA is also said to promote the health of the developing child. Found in cold-water oily fish and in seaweed, DHA is also widely available in supplement form. In addition, the body naturally produces small amounts of DHA.
Special Precautions of DHA
- Pregnancy : According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), consuming DHA in the form of fish oil is likely safe during pregnancy. The NIH advise limiting your fish oil intake to three grams per day during pregnancy.
- It's important to note that taking DHA in the form of fish oil is known to cause a number of side effects, including bad breath, heartburn, and nausea.
- Possible Elevated Blood Sugar Levels : A possible increase in blood sugar levels is particularly important for those with Type 2 diabetes, as slight increases in fasting blood glucose levels have been noted for this group, according to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus site. Still, it notes that there are no significant effects of fish oil over the long term in patients suffering from diabetes, so minimal caution can be taken.
- Possible Stomach Upset : Symptoms may include diarrhea, increased burping, acid reflux, heartburn or indigestion, according to MedlinePlus. A fishy aftertaste may be another unpleasant side effect. Ways to minimize these side effects include taking DHA with meals, and taking lower doses.
- Possible Increased Risk of Bleeding : The Mayo Clinic says there is little evidence of bleeding risk at lower doses, but a large intake of fish oil increases the risk of a bleeding stroke. High intake has also been shown to increase the possibility of nosebleeds and blood in the urine.
The benefits of DHA are
Docosahexaenoic acid, better known as DHA, is one of the main components of fish oil that is touted for its health benefits. DHA, along with Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, are said to help in the prevention of heart disease, cancer, depression and arthritis, and are also very important for proper brain function. Due to the fact that many people don't get enough DHA from their diet, fish oil supplementation has become common.
- Heart Disease : Taking DHA in combination with EPA may reduce several risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- Brain Health : DHA may help protect against age-related cognitive decline, suggests a 2010 research review from Current Alzheimer's Research.
- DHA is thought to prevent certain health problems associated with pregnancy, such as preeclampsia. In addition, DHA is often touted as a natural means of preventing miscarriage and early delivery. Some women also take DHA during pregnancy to reduce their risk of postpartum depression. Since DHA is essential for neurological and visual development, women commonly take DHA during pregnancy to ensure that the developing child gets a sufficient amount of DHA.
- Depression : DHA may help protect against depression.
- According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fish oil is possibly effective in treatment of several other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain, psoriasis, and asthma.
