Metabolic health
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
C22:6n-3
Included in Complete.
Compare membershipsAn omega-3 concentrated in your brain and eyes.
DHA is a long-chain omega-3, one of a family of fats your body can't make from scratch. It's especially concentrated in your brain and the retina of your eye, and your blood level mostly reflects your intake of fish, seafood, or omega-3 supplements.
Your body makes very little DHA on its own.
Conversion of plant omega-3s into DHA is especially limited in most people, so DHA mainly comes from fatty fish, seafood, and fish or algal oil. Algal oil is a common option for people who don't eat fish.
DHA is usually read together with EPA. Their combined level is widely used as a measure of omega-3 status, though experts haven't agreed on a single normal range.
Questions
What does a low DHA result mean?
It usually reflects low intake of fish, seafood, or omega-3 supplements. It's one input to read with your EPA, your total omega-3s, and your diet. If you'd like to raise it, your longevity coach can help you plan changes.
Do supplements show up in this result?
Yes. DHA from fish oil, krill oil, or algal oil supplements is absorbed and adds to your blood level, so it helps to tell your clinician about any supplements you take.
Sources and references
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Omega-3 fatty acids fact sheet for health professionals
- Baker et al., Metabolism and functional effects of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids in humans (Prog Lipid Res, 2016)
- American Heart Association, Seafood long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease, science advisory (Circulation, 2018)