Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

DHA is a very important unsaturated fatty acid for the human body and is an important member of the omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid family. DHA is a major component in the growth and maintenance of cells in the nervous system, and is an important component of the brain and retina, containing up to 20% in the human cerebral cortex and about 50% in the retina of the eye. It is therefore essential for the intellectual and visual development of the foetus. It is used in infant formulae and as a nutritional supplement for women during pregnancy preparation, pregnancy and lactation.

Most of the DHA in fish and multi-cellular organisms with access to cold-water oceanic foods originates from photosynthetic and heterotrophic microalgae, and becomes increasingly concentrated in organisms as they are up the food chain further . DHA is also commercially manufactured from microalgae: Crypthecodinium cohnii and another of the genus Schizochytrium.

Molecular Formula

C22H32O2

Molecular weight

328.488 g/mol

Storage

The product is recommended to be stored in the tightly closed original packaging in a cool and dry condition. It should be used as soon as possible after opened.

Validity

DHA Oil

12 months at room temperature; 18 months under refrigerated conditions (0-10℃);

DHA Powder

24 months at 0 to 10 degrees Celsius.

Use

DHA is widely used as a food supplement. It was first used primarily in infant formulas. In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration endorsed qualified health claims for DHA. It has been recommended to eat foods which are high in omega-3 fatty acids for women who want to become pregnant or whenduring nursing. In one preliminary study, men who took DHA supplements for 6–12 weeks had lower blood markers of inflammation.

Some manufactured DHA is a vegetarian product extracted from algae, and it competes on the market with fish oil that contains DHA and other omega-3s such as EPA.

Specification