Child and Adult Nutrition | Benefits of Vegetarian DHA Omega 3

Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found throughout the body, is a major structural fat in the brain and eyes, representing about 97% of all omega-3 fats in the brain and 93% of all omega-3 fats in the retina. It is also a key component of the heart. DHA is important for brain and eye development and function throughout the lifecycle, but is particularly important during the first two years of life and early childhood. Between birth and five years of age, the human brain increases approximately 3.5 times in mass. It is important that children consume adequate amounts of DHA in their diet to support this period of rapid brain and eye growth and development. DHA ensures that cells in the brain, retina, heart and other parts of the nervous system develop and function properly.

DHA continues to support brain and eye function throughout adulthood.  It’s also a key component of the heart and cardiovascular system, and one of the omega-3 fatty acids recommended by the American Heart Association and USDA Dietary Guidelines for good cardiovascular health.

Additionally, there has been positive research on the role that DHA may play in adult brain and eye health. A recently published large, randomized, placebo-controlled nutritional study in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association has demonstrated the benefits of algal DHA in improving memory in older adults.* No study using a fish oil source of DHA has found this significant benefit.

* Based on a clinical study using 900mg DHA/day for 6 months in healthy adults 55 with a mild memory complaint.