Other Brands/Names
Health+Care Fish Oil 1000 mg, Joy Omega 3, Konilife Omega 3, Wellness Omega-3, Blackmores Odorless Fish Oil, Sustagen Junior, Nutribreast, Enfamil, Nutramigen.
How It Works
DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is a long-chain unsaturated omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for the development of cognitive function and vision. It works through a complex process involving changes in the structure and function of cells in the brain and retina, as well as influencing the metabolism of proteins and fats. Additionally, DHA functions as an antioxidant in the body.
Indications
DHA is often used as a nutritional supplement to help meet daily dietary needs.
Contraindications
While there are no known absolute contraindications, caution should be exercised in individuals with bleeding disorders or asthma. Additionally, patients with liver conditions should monitor liver function tests while taking DHA.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea.
Types
Soft capsules and milks.
Dosage
Adults: 125-250 mg, taken 1-2 times daily, or as directed on the product packaging.
Infants and Children: For DHA in milk-based products, follow the dosage instructions provided on the packaging.
Safety
Pregnancy:
DHA is categorized by the FDA as Category N (the risk to the fetus is not yet clearly defined). It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before use, particularly during pregnancy, to monitor for any potential risks.
Drug Interactions
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Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants) (e.g., warfarin) and Antiplatelet Agents (e.g., clopidogrel)
Concurrent use with DHA can increase prothrombin time (PT), potentially making bleeding more likely. -
Blood Pressure-Lowering Medications
Taking DHA with blood pressure medications can raise the risk of low blood pressure (hypotension).
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
Sun GY, Simonyi A, Fritsche KL, Chuang DY, Hannink M, Gu Z, Greenlief CM, Yao JK, Lee JC, Beversdorf DQ. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): An essential nutrient and a nutraceutical for brain health and diseases. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2018 Sep;136:3-13.
Calder PC. Docosahexaenoic Acid. Ann Nutr Metab. 2016;69 Suppl 1:7-21.
Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan. DHA. Available from: https://cekbpom.pom.go.id//home/produk/a48kea78o9laigne7nvsgb07s3/all/row/10/page/0/order/4/DESC/search/5/DHA
Mims Indonesia. Docosahexaenoic acid. Available from: https://www.mims.com/indonesia/drug/info/docosahexaenoic%20acid?mtype=generic.