Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) naturally occurs in fish, like salmon and mackerel. But people who don’t eat seafood sometimes have trouble getting enough DHA in their diet. Whether you’re vegan, pregnant or simply want to find ways to improve your overall health, taking a DHA supplement is a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3.
There are many DHA supplements on the market, but finding the right one for your needs is important. Some supplements utilize vegan-friendly products while others do not. If you’re buying supplements for children, they may prefer gummy forms over pills. But Freshfield Vegan Omega-3 DHA Supplements are a top pick because they’re potent, plant-based and produced sustainably.
DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which is a category of essential fats the human body cannot produce on its own. If you don’t consume foods that contain DHA, you’re missing out on the many benefits this fatty acid provides. However, most vegan dietary supplements and prenatal vitamins contain generous doses of DHA to help people compensate. That said, it may not be enough based on your individual needs.
Research shows that taking DHA in supplement form can combat symptoms of several health issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, depression, memory loss and more. And if you pair DHA with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), this can potentially decrease eye pressure which can lead to glaucoma.
Studies have also shown that taking omega-3 supplements like DHA may reduce your risk of getting certain cancers and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Doctors often recommend DHA supplements to reduce the risk of heart disease in certain individuals.
There isn’t much research on the symptoms of DHA deficiency, but there are a few clear signs that indicate you aren’t getting enough omega-3 in your diet. Check for signs like overly sensitive skin, depression, sudden joint pain and changes in your hair texture or density. Vegans, vegetarians and pregnant people are, particularly at risk. Talk with your doctor and consider taking supplements if you start to experience these symptoms.
Many vegans and vegetarians take DHA supplements because they don’t eat seafood. Many companies cater to this and offer plant-based omega-3 supplements that derive fatty acid from algae and other sources. If you buy a DHA supplement that looks vegan, make sure it doesn’t contain gelatin or magnesium stearate, as these additives come from animals. You can also look for supplements that have been certified vegan by third-party organizations.
Like many nutritional supplements, DHA comes in a variety of different forms, from capsules to liquid spray and gummies. Fruit-flavored gummies are a great choice for kids that don’t enjoy taking pills, or you can put the liquid into a smoothie.
While there’s no official suggested dosage for DHA, most suppliers recommend a daily intake of at least 200 milligrams. Supplements that contain both DHA and other fatty acids like EPA may have a higher recommended dosage, usually around 250-500 milligrams.
The cost of a DHA supplement usually depends on quantity, brand and if it’s vegan. In most cases, you can expect to pay around $15-$35 for a container of DHA supplements.
A. Technically, there’s no current information how much DHA you should or should not take each day. However, DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids are still safe to ingest regularly in supplement form. That said, avoid taking more than 2 grams (or 2,000 milligrams) in a single day. If you’re unsure how much DHA you might need, talk to a medical professional or healthcare provider.
A. Yes, kids can take DHA supplements. Studies show that kids taking omega-3 supplements might enjoy better sleep and improved brain health. Other research indicates that an intake of fatty acids like DHA could reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, otherwise known as ADHD.
Freshfield Vegan Omega-3 DHA Supplements
What you need to know: This popular supplement contains generous doses of DHA and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA).
What you’ll love: This plant-based supplement utilizes DHA from natural algae oil. The company also emphasizes its sustainable practices, like offsetting plastic waste. The capsules are potent enough to take just once a day.
What you should consider: The formula contains carrageenan, which some people avoid due to possible side effects.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Naturelo Vegan DHA Omega-3 Softgels
What you need to know: These vegan softgels offer great value for the money.
What you’ll love: Each softgel contains 400 milligrams of DHA, which is a higher dose than most omega-3 supplements. This plant-based formula is also gluten-free, soy-free and GMO-free. Customers like that the supplement has no fishy taste or smell.
What you should consider: The supplement only contains DHA, which may or may not be a problem depending on the user.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb
Solgar Naturally Sourced Omega-3 DHA Softgels
What you need to know: This plant-based supplement features a natural formula that’s free of gluten and wheat.
What you’ll love: Solgar is a trustworthy brand that has been around since 1947, and its DHA supplement contains 200 milligrams per softgel. It features an entirely plant-based formula in a small, easy-to-swallow pill.
What you should consider: Some users thought that the supplement was too expensive considering its dosage.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Patrick Farmer writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
