DHA Omega 3

An essential omega-3 fatty acid vital for the development and function of the brain, eyes and heart.

There are three main types of omega 3 fatty acids:

  1. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid): The body needs this to create signalling molecules to aid cell communication

  2. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): Especially important for the cells in the eyes and brain with approximately 40% of the brain's polyunsaturated fats being made up of DHA.

  3. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid): The body converts this fatty acid into EPA and DHA.

DHA Omega 3 NRV:

The NRV of omega 3 fatty acids has not yet been established by the EU, however in Australia the suggested daily intake of fatty acids which include DHA, EPA & ALA is 115 mg while pregnant, and over 145 mg daily when lactating. Her.9 contains 322mg (this amounts to roughly one cup of Edamame beans).

Major functions:

  • Key for cellular health particularly in the brain and eye

  • Essential for overall health due to its role in the formation of cellular structures in the body

Benefits:

DHA is not naturally produced by the body highlighting the importance of sourcing the right amount via the diet and supplements. This type of fatty acid is an important component of the human brain due to organ requiring fats for energy; specifically, DHA.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is really important in expecting mothers as many struggle to achieve the recommended daily dose. During pregnancy and early childhood, getting sufficient DHA provides vital support for the eye, nervous system and overall brain development of the baby. Children whose mothers took omega 3 supplements or consumed large amounts of omega 3s when pregnant are more likely to have higher intelligence, measured by IQ and problem solving tests, and are at a lower risk of having behavioural and neurological problems.

Her.9 uses a vegan-certified Omega-3 derived from ocean algae, life’s™OMEGA, the first plant-based alternative to traditional fish oil. Not only is this ingredient pure, natural and vegan-friendly, it is also better for the environment since it is sustainably sourced and helps to protect the world’s fish population.

Food Sources:

  • Oily Fish

  • Seeds

  • Nuts

 

 

References:
  • ​ Innis, S. M. (2008). Dietary omega 3 fatty acids and the developing brain. Brain research, 1237, 35-43.
  • Guesnet, P., & Alessandri, J. M. (2011). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the developing central nervous system (CNS)–implications for dietary recommendations. Biochimie, 93(1), 7-12.
  • Dyall, S. C. (2015). Long-chain omega 3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 7, 52.
  • Kuratko, C. N., Barrett, E. C., Nelson, E. B., & Salem, N. (2013). The relationship of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with learning and behaviour in healthy children: a review. Nutrients, 5(7), 2777-2810.
  • Coletta, J.M, Bell, S.J, & Roman, A.S. (2010) Omega-3 Fatty acids and pregnancy. Rev Obstet Gynecol, 163-171.
  • Mazereeuw, G., Lanctot, K. L., Chau, S. A., Swardfager, W., & Herrmann, N. (2012). Effects of omega 3 fatty acids on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis. Neurobiology of ageing, 33(7), 1482-e17.