Cardio Protective Effects of DHA

DHA is also a key component of the cardiovascular system. In the past 25 years, there have been over 4,500 studies of the cardiovascular effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as DHA.

  • Although the exact relationship between DHA and the cardiovascular system is still being studied, observational and intervention studies support an association between DHA and good cardiovascular health.
  • Based on the current body of research, several scientific bodies have made recommendations regarding the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and good cardiovascular health.
  • Despite the recommendations, the typical American’s daily DHA consumption is still low. A dietary study of 9,323 U.S. adults revealed that the average intake of DHA was 61 mg/day for women and 78 mg/day for men.
Controlling Blood Lipids
  • Controlling blood lipids (total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol), high density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol)) and triglycerides is important for reducing the risk of developing heart disease.
  • One of the cardioprotective effects of DHA appears to be helping to normalize certain blood lipids. Three independent research studies in subjects with normal blood lipids have demonstrated a statistically significant drop (14-26 percent) in triglycerides and a trend toward higher HDL levels over baseline lipid levels after supplementation with high doses of DHA (more than 1.5g DHA/day) for 2-15 weeks. A fourth study showed similar blood lipid changes in the DHA group compared to the placebo group.
  • In two double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of subjects with abnormal lipids, supplementation with more than 1.2g DHA/day for 6 weeks resulted in a clinically significant drop of approximately 20 percent in triglycerides and a statistically significant increase in HDL or HDL2 levels. These changes in blood lipids were accompanied by minimal or insignificant increases in total cholesterol and LDL.
Controlling Blood Pressure
  • Controlling blood pressure is also important for maintaining cardiovascular health. One study found that DHA had modest blood pressure lowering effects in mildly hyperlipidemic men.