Omega-3 fatty acids form the cornerstone of a good diet, and ultimately a healthy lifestyle. DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is the most important of the three Omega-3 fatty acids, and is found throughout the body. The human brain is comprised of over 60% fat, of which the most abundant fat (25%) is DHA. It is the primary structural fat in both the gray matter of the brain and the retina of the eye, making it essential for brain and eye development and function. DHA is the only omega-3 that has been shown to support brain, eye and heart health throughout every stage of life. Including DHA in the diet is the most reliable way to ensure that DHA is available to support optimal brain and eye development.

While it has been shown that DHA is important for health and development, the typical diet usually falls well short of recommended DHA levels because the primary dietary source of DHA is limited to fatty fish. There is also a common misconception that flaxseed, walnuts and certain vegetable oils are a good dietary source of DHA. However, these are sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), not DHA. The body can make DHA from ALA, but the process is inefficient. In fact, research shows the body only converts 5-10% of ALA to EPA and even less, only .01-5%, to DHA. ALA has no known independent benefits on brain or eye health and there is insufficient data to support its role in cardiovascular health. We must get the amount of DHA we need from our diet or supplements.