Is fish oil DHA really useful

Fish oil DHA does help improve brain function and cardiovascular health, but the specific effects vary from person to person. DHA is an essential unsaturated fatty acid for the human body, which mainly promotes brain development in infants and young children, improves adult memory, regulates blood lipids, alleviates dry eye symptoms, and assists in anti-inflammatory effects.

1. Promoting Brain Development in Infants and Young Children

DHA is a key nutrient for the development of the nervous system in fetuses and infants. Supplementing DHA during pregnancy and lactation can help improve cognitive and visual development in infants. Breastfeeded infants can obtain DHA through their mother's diet, and moderate amounts of DHA are usually added to formula milk.

2. Improving Adult Memory

DHA is the main component of gray matter in the brain, and moderate supplementation may help delay cognitive decline in middle-aged and elderly people. Some studies have shown that long-term intake of DHA has the potential to improve early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, but cannot reverse severe lesions.

3. Regulation of blood lipid

DHA and EPA in fish oil can reduce the level of triglycerides in blood and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. For individuals with abnormal blood lipids, supplementing with the recommended dosage by doctors may achieve auxiliary regulatory effects, but it cannot replace drug treatment.

4. Relieve dry eye symptoms

DHA participates in the formation of retinal cell membranes, and supplementation may improve tear secretion function. For patients with long-term overuse or dry eye syndrome, the combination of artificial tears under the guidance of a doctor may alleviate eye discomfort.

5. Auxiliary anti-inflammatory

DHA metabolites have anti-inflammatory activity and have a relieving effect on chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, it should be noted that fish oil alone cannot cure the disease and should be used in conjunction with anti-inflammatory drugs.

It is recommended to obtain DHA naturally by eating deep-sea fish such as salmon and sardine 2-3 times a week. If special people need supplements, they should choose regular products and follow the doctor's advice. Excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or bleeding tendency, and caution should be exercised by those taking anticoagulant drugs. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise are still the foundation of maintaining health, and DHA supplementation is only used as an auxiliary means.