Docosahexaenoic Acid

Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that has various health benefits. It is most commonly found in fish but is now available in the form of supplements. Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation may be beneficial for pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants, and people with high cholesterol or heart disease. Side effects that may occur with docosahexaenoic acid include gas, bruising, nausea, and prolonged bleeding.

 

What Is Decosahexaenoic Acid?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. Most docosahexaenoic acid comes from marine sources (mainly fatty fish and certain algae and plankton). Because many people do not eat much fish (and since omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid, are recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet), docosahexaenoic acid supplements have become very popular in recent years.
 
Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation may be useful for people with high cholesterol, heart disease, and numerous other conditions. It may also be beneficial for pregnant and breastfeeding women and in infant formula.
 
(Click Docosahexaenoic Acid Benefits for more information on what docosahexaenoic acid is used for.)
 

Docosahexaenoic Acid Side Effects

Docosahexaenoic acid can cause several side effects, such as:
 
  • Nausea
  • Gas
  • Bruising
  • Prolonged bleeding.
 
(Click Side Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;