DHA OMEGA-3 is a fatty acid important for brain, eye and nervous system development and function, as well as heart health. A diet rich in DHA omega-3 during pregnancy and breastfeeding may play a role in supporting healthy pregnancies, helping a mother’s emotional well-being after birth and aiding the mental and visual development of infants. Microalgae are the only vegetarian source that provides a meaningful amount of DHA omega-3. Look for vegetarian algal sources of DHA in food and supplement products and infant formula.

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 Other vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax seeds, walnuts and certain vegetable oils, contain ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), not DHA omega-3. ALA has no known independent benefits on brain or eye health and there are insufficient data to support its role in cardiovascular health. EPA ( eicosapentaenoic acid ), found in fish oil, has been shown to support cardiovascular health but has not been proven to play a role in brain or eye health.
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You can get DHA omega-3 by eating fish. However be careful about the type of fish you consume as some varieties contain harmful oceanic pollutants and toxins. The FDA advises women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children to limit intake of fish that contain high levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child’s developing nervous system. A safe and easy way is to include foods or supplements with a vegetarian source of DHA omega-3, including certain types of fortified yogurts, eggs, milk, soymilk or prenatal vitamins and supplements. Babies get DHA omega-3 through breast milk, and can also get it in more than 90 percent of infant formulas.
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Dietary fat intake during pregnancy and lactation (as a proportion of energy intake) should be the same as that recommended for the general population, at least 200 mg/day of DHA. Read more dietary recommendations for pregnant women.

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Despite its importance, consumers rarely get enough DHA omega-3 in their diets. View DHA Deficiency Chart.


The Dish on DHA
Find out more about how DHA omega-3 plays an important role throughout life by clicking here.


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