Docosahexaenoic Acid
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found in fatty fish and algae. It is especially concentrated in the brain and retina.
Also listed as DHA, DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is DHA?
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. It is especially concentrated in brain and retinal cell membranes. 1
Can the body make it?
The body converts plant-derived alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into DHA and EPA, but conversion is limited. Fatty fish supplies them directly. 2
What questions does research address?
This review separates memory, Alzheimer treatment, pregnancy and blood-fat research.
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Docosahexaenoic Acid's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Is DHA proven to make everyone sharper?
No. The memory review’s positive findings were limited; it did not establish general cognitive improvement. 3
Is 2 g/day an Alzheimer treatment dose that works?
It was the studied dose, but the 18-month trial found no slowing of decline. 4
Does pregnancy evidence apply to DHA alone?
Not directly. The review combined different long-chain omega-3 interventions. 5
Does the adult reference mean 250 mg of DHA plus 250 mg of EPA?
No. The European reference is 250 mg for the two combined. 6
Can DHA raise LDL even if triglycerides fall?
Yes. The direct-comparison review found that pattern. 7
Related nutrients
Docosapentaenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic AcidSources
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Consumer Fact Sheet NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- Omega-3 fatty acid addition during pregnancy Cochrane, 2018
- Dietary recommendations for fat intake European Commission Knowledge4Policy
