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DHA is a necessary part of a healthy diet and is found mostly in fatty fish. The primary source of DHA for fish originates from algae, at the start of the marine food chain. The body is able to convert DHA from precursor Omega-3 fatty acids, though this conversion efficacy is very low and insufficient to provide enough DHA. Adequate dietary or supplemental intake of DHA-rich products are therefore essential to
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Algae are a primary source of DHA in the marine food chain.
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Examples of food sources that contain high levels of certain Omega-3 fatty acids.
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Omega-3 Fatty acids
The group of Omega-3 fatty acids, also referred to as ω−3 fatty acids or n-3 fatty acids, consists of alpha-lineoic acid (ALA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), docosapentanoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). High levels of ALA are found in foods such as walnuts and soybeans. In contrast, high levels of EPA, DPA and DHA are found in certain marine food sources, such as fatty fish and shellfish. The body is able to convert small amounts of other Omega-3 fatty acids into DHA, though we cannot obtain sufficient levels through this (inefficient) process alone. Therefore, it is important obtain DHA directly from dietary or supplemental sources to ensure sufficient levels. |
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Biochemistry of DHA
The molecular formula for DHA is C22H32O2, depicted in the figure on the right. The black dots represent the 22 carbon atoms, the white dots the 32 hydrogen atoms and the red dots the 2 oxygen atoms. The chemical structure notation is 22:6n-3. This means that DHA has a chain of 22 carbon atoms with 6 double bonds; the first double bond occurs between the third and fourth carbon atom from the methyl group (located on the left end of the molecule), hence the name Omega-3. Conversely, in omega-6 fatty acids (n-6) the first double bond occurs after the 6th carbon atom from the methyl group. DHA can be made by the human body from ALA, another Omega-3 fatty acid. Several steps occur during this production of DHA, with each intermediate step representing a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. The process starts with 18:3n-3 (ALA), which is converted into 20:5n-3 (EPA), then 22:5n-3 (DPA), and finally 22:6n-3(DHA). During these steps, carbon atoms are added to the carbon chain and a 6th double bond is created. Retro-conversion of DHA back to it's precursors occurs in the body as well in certain conditions. |
A molecule of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). The methyl group is located at the left end of the carbon chain. The two oxygen atoms are located at the right end of the carbon chain.
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HealthDHA™
Our HealthDHA initiative was developed to open up the field of DHA health science to anyone interested. Exciting studies are continuously published on the beneficial effects of DHA in health and disease. Yet, not everyone has the time or scientific expertise to keep up with all the DHA research that is conducted.
The HealthDHA platform is an independent source of curated scientific information pieces, free of any advertising or promotion. Research-based information regarding the role of DHA in various conditions ranging from glaucoma, thrombosis to healthy aging is discussed in clear language. |
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Learning more
In 2024, experts at Progress Biotech were interviewed by the ingredients insight magazine. Click on the button on the right to read the interview and learn more about our mission as Progress Biotech. |
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THE INNOVATORS
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learn more about DHA & health |