The body needs fatty acids to survive and is able to make all but two of them: linoleic acid (LA), in the omega-6 family, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in the omega-3 family. These two fatty acids must be supplied by the diet and are therefore considered essential fatty acids (EFAs).

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold-water fish (and fish oil), perilla and flaxseed oils, are essential elements of a healthy diet. Fish oils contain the essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are usually lacking in the typical Western diet, which is filled with foods containing high amounts of omega-6 fats.23 EPA and DHA can be synthesized in the body from ALA, but EPA and DHA synthesis may be insufficient under certain conditions and for most people that consume Western diets.

While the polyunsaturated fats known as omega-6 fatty acids are essential to life, most Americans and citizens of other Western nations consume far too many omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and not enough omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In fact, some Western diets consist of 20 parts of omega-6 to only one part of omega-3. For optimum health, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids should be between 1:1 and 4:1.25 The severe imbalance that occurs with most people contributes to the development of long-term health problems.

Studies associate the Mediterranean diet — rich in omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids such as that found in olive oil, and antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and herbs — with lowered cardiovascular risk and increased life span.26-32 Other studies support omega-3’s importance in cardiovascular health.33,34

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that helps support development of the brain, nervous system, and the retina of the eye.52,54 DHA is critical to maintaining healthy brain function. Billions of neurons in the brain communicate with each other through connectors called “synapses.” Synapses have a higher concentration of DHA than almost any tissue in the body. DHA is highly concentrated within brain tissue, accounting for up to 20% of total brain mass. Scientists are currently researching the possibility that a lack of DHA may contribute to certain behavioral and mood conditions affecting both children and adults. Some studies have also explored a possible link between insufficient DHA and age-related mental decline.55-57 DHA (and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) can modulate the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and ameliorate inflammatory reactions by suppressing pro-inflammatory mediator generation and cytokine expression.58,59

DHA is a major structural fat in the retina of the eye, accounting for up to 50% of the total fatty acids. Because DHA is so prevalent in eye tissue, many researchers suspect that it plays an important role in visual development during infancy and childhood. DHA is also being studied for its possible impact on adult eye health.

Life Extension’s DHA softgels complement Life Extension’s Super Omega-3 fish oil softgels to provide options for those who desire a higher DHA:EPA ratio and to provide additional support for brain health, eye health, mood, and developmental needs. Life Extension’s DHA exceeds current Council for Responsible Nutrition proposed pharmaceutical-grade standards. The small-sized DHA softgel caps are more desirable for some people.