What is the recommended daily dose of DHA for adults?
How much DHA should I be take? What are the DHA recommendations for adults? Should I be taking DHA supplements?
These are common questions we get at Ddrops Company, and there are a variety of informed opinions on the topic.
Why DHA?
DHA has long been identified as a key component for good health and is specifically recognized for its importance in supporting healthy brain and visual development in infants and children.* During the first few years of life and in adolescences a child’s brain and cognitive function undergo significant growth and development. Adequate DHA intake helps support healthy brain and eye development during these critical stages.*
What do the experts say?
The International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids recommends at least 500 mg per day of EPA+DHA for the general adult population for optimal cardiovascular health.
World Gastroenterology Organization recommends that adults should consume three to five servings of fish per week.
The European Food Safety Authority recommends that the general adult population should consume 250 mg EPA+DHA per day.
The AFFSA (France) recommends that all adults should consume 250 mg of DHA per day.
Please remember your healthcare professional is the best person to speak to regarding your specific needs around DHA supplementation.
- [1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2010). Fats and fatty acids in human nutrition: Report of an expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 91. Rome
- [2] Koletzko B Lien E Agostoni C Böhles H Campoy C Cetin I Decsi T Dudenhausen JW Dupont C Forsyth S Hoesli I Holzgreve W Lapillonne A Putet G Secher NJ Symonds M Szajewska H Willatts P and Uauy R (2008). The roles of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy, lactation and infancy: review of current knowledge and consensus recommendations. J Perinat Med 36:5-14.
- [3] The National Academy of Medicine, Seafood choice: Balancing Benefits and Risk, October 2006. (Formerly the Institute of Medicine)
- [4] International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (June 2004). Report of the Sub-Committee on Recommendations for Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Healthy Adults. [online] Available at: http://www.issfal.org/news- links/resources/publications/PUFAIntakeReccomdFinalReport.pdf
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Baden Russell Petigrow
Baden can be found chatting with moms across the globe about a variety of infant-health related topics. A graduate of Boston University’s Master of Science in Health Communications, she loves reading, writing, and nature.
