Liquid DHA
Perhaps you have heard that there are benefits to taking liquid DHA as a food additive or supplement. DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid found in rich abundance in several fish oils. DHA is commercially manufactured using micro-algae which is then processed into a marketable liquid DHA. DHA is plentiful in the brain and in the retina. 40% of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain are composed of DHA, and 60% in the retina. This means that DHA is very important to neurological health, and a deficiency can bring about cognitive deterioration.
The United States National Institute of Health is currently running a long-term testing and trial process in order to determine DHA’s connection to Alzheimer’s disease. It is the very first trial of its kind. So far, the testing has spanned 18 months. Participants were subjects who suffered mildly to moderately from Alzheimer’s disease. The trial involved a double blind and randomized testing process, wherein comparison was made between DHA and placebo dosages administered to 402 Alzheimer’s patients. The treatments and experiments took place at over 50 different sites in the United States. The researchers found that administering DHA significantly increased brain and blood DHA levels, by studying changes in the participants’ cereboro-spinal fluid. The DHA did not slow changes to mental function however. Dementia severity, ability to carry on a regular daily life, and fluctuations in behavior were all monitored. The study has not yet conclusively proven any benefit to Alzheimer’s as the result of DHA administration.
DHA has been found to slow the growth of colon cancer cells more than any other omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Further research is required, but in a study carried out less than two years ago, DHA was found to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. Recently, DHA has begun to be promoted by manufacturers as a healthy additive or fortifying agent for various foods. Prior to 2007, DHA manufacturing was mostly limited to baby formula. This was because it is believed that DHA will help with normal development of premature babies, and promote healthy brain growth in young infants. Now, DHA is a more common addition to dairy products, because there is less of it in the normal individual’s diet than ever.
Liquid DHA also comes in a vegetarian form, when it is extracted from algae. Since most people sustain their DHA levels through fish oils, vegetarians often have a deficiency. This makes the algae option very appealing, as it has come into no contact with any animal substances. Studies have shown that infants who took DHA from algae gained weight faster than those who were administered DHA derived from fish oil, even though both types seem fairly similar. They are both colorless, odorless derivatives.
Many brands of liquid DHA are available to you. The recommended dosage is usually a single teaspoon per day for adults and children. For small children under the age of 4, as well as infants, generally less is administered. Usually a half teaspoon is recommended. The liquid is essentially a highly concentrated fatty acid that will contain fish and soy, as well as some other ingredients like flavoring.
If you would like to take liquid DHA as a supplement, you can easily research the different manufacturers online. As with any product of this nature, follow the bottle’s recommendations carefully. DHA is also available in gel capsules, but the liquid form is easy for children to swallow. DHA can become a simple part of your daily routine, whether you are administering it to yourself or a child.
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