What is DHA?
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DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of chemical compounds that share a partly identical chemical structure. They play important roles in human physiology, with various functions across tissues and organs. This group of chemicals comprise of polyunsaturated fatty acids and occur in nature and find their origin in plants. DHA is a most important long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid of marine plant origin and is fundamental for the formation and function of the nervous system in mammals. In particular the development and functioning of the brain and the retina in humans. DHA has been mentioned as having a remarkable role during human evolution, mainly on the growth and development of the brain. There is abundant scientific research that DHA can be considered as a critical nutrient during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the active role in the development of the nervous system in early life. DHA and some derivatives have neuroprotective properties against brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Sources of DHA The dietary intake of DHA is very low, especially in countries with traditionally low fish consumption. The traditional source of DHA from fish or fish oil is becoming less attractive in view of residual contaminants accumulated from the sea and sourcing fish oil from endangered species. DHA produced from algae, which are in nature the source of the fatty acids in fish, presents a safe, sustainable and plant-based alternative for fish oils. |
Biochemistry behind Omega-3 fatty acids
The molecular formula for DHA is C22H32O2, 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. The methyl group is located at the left end of the chain below, with the two oxygen atoms located at the other end of the carbon chain. In omega-6 fatty acids (n-6), the first double bond occurs after the 6th carbon atom from the methyl group. 
A molecule of docosahexaenoic acid. The methyl group is located at the left end of the carbon chain.
(Retro)conversion of Omega-3 fatty acids
18:3n-3 (ALA) → 20:5n-3 (EPA) → 22:5n-3 (DPA) → 22:6n-3(DHA) |
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Progress Biotech has developed the healthDHA™ initiative, aiming to increase public awareness about the benefits of DHA in health and disease. Our healthDHA™ website provides scientific information in clear language, enabling people with and without a scientific background to learn more about the importance of DHA. |
visit the healthdha website |
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Interested in learning more?
Interested in learning more about why we developed this initiative? In 2024, Progress Biotech was interviewed by the Ingredients Insight magazine about healthDHA™. Click on the button on the right to read the interview and discover our mission with the healthDHA™ initiative. |
read the interview |
THE INNOVATORS