What are the benefits and drawbacks of eating fish oil DHA

Fish oil DHA has both health benefits and potential risks. DHA is an essential Omega-3 fatty acid for the human body, which mainly promotes brain development, improves cardiovascular health, alleviates inflammation, supports visual health, regulates emotions, and has other effects; Excessive intake may lead to risks such as gastrointestinal discomfort, abnormal coagulation function, and increased oxidative stress.

1. Promoting Brain Development

DHA is an important component of the brain nerve cell membrane, and supplementation during pregnancy and infancy can help with fetal brain development. Clinical studies have shown that children with sufficient DHA intake have advantages in cognitive ability and learning performance. Moderate supplementation for adults can delay age-related cognitive decline.

II. Improving cardiovascular health

DHA can reduce the level of triglycerides in blood and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help maintain endothelial function and have a positive effect on preventing coronary heart disease and hypertension. However, high doses may affect platelet function and should be used with caution before surgery.

III. Relieve Inflammatory Response

DHA can alleviate symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis by converting it into an anti-inflammatory mediator. It may have a regulatory effect on patients with asthma and inflammatory bowel disease, but the dosage should be adjusted according to medical advice during the acute inflammatory phase.

4. Support visual health

DHA content in the retina can reach up to 50%, and moderate supplementation can reduce the risk of dry eye and macular degeneration. Premature infants who lack DHA are prone to retinal developmental abnormalities, but excessive supplementation may increase the probability of oxidative damage.

V. Regulating Emotional States

DHA participates in neurotransmitter synthesis and has an auxiliary improvement effect on depression and anxiety. The mechanism may be related to regulating the function of the prefrontal cortex, but severe mental illness patients require professional treatment.

It is recommended to choose high-purity fish oil products and control the daily intake of DHA at 200-500 milligrams. People who are allergic to seafood should use it with caution. Those who take anticoagulant drugs should consult with vitamin E to reduce oxidative risk. Taking it after meals can improve absorption rate and reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Long term users are recommended to regularly test coagulation function and antioxidant indicators, and children and pregnant women should supplement under the guidance of a nutritionist.