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What is DHA, and why is this omega-3 fatty acid so important for us? Here's the explanation.    What is DHA?    Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is one of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids with proven health benefits in the body. DHA is vital for maintaining normal brain and eye function and is a component in the brain, skin, and eye. It has also been shown to contribute to the normal function of the heart.    DHA can be produced from the shorter omega-3 fatty acid ALA (found in a variety of plants, including flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts) within the...

Research published in the Journal of Perinatology adds to the body of evidence supporting the establishment of an appropriate omega-3 DHA level for pregnant women. This prospective cohort study, conducted between February and August 2016 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Citadelle Regional Hospital Center in Liège, Belgium, investigated 108 healthy women with singleton pregnancies. The study collected data on gestational duration, birth anthropometric measurements, pregnancy-associated complications, and participants' red blood cell omega-3 levels, specifically the Omega-3 Index.    The research team noted that interest in the role of omega-3 fatty acids on pregnancy outcomes began in the early...

A significant meta-analysis examining 70 clinical studies on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy suggests a promising avenue for reducing the incidence of premature births. The Cochrane Review, which synthesized data from nearly 20,000 women, aimed to revisit the question initially posed in 2006: Can the intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from supplements or food improve pregnancy outcomes for both infants and their mothers?    Key findings from the review   The evidence indicates a notable benefit from omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy. Specifically, it can decrease the risk of births before 37 weeks by 11% and before...

Aging naturally leads to muscle mass loss, which in turn can lead to some of the most challenging aspects of getting older, such as a loss of independence due to falls and fractures. While exercise and adequate protein intake are crucial for maintaining muscle mass or mitigating its decline, could there be more that can be done to support muscle health in aging populations? A study led by Dr. Gordon Smith and colleagues at Washington University in St. Louis sheds light on this question, exploring the effects of fish oil supplements on muscle strength and function in older adults (Smith...