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Nordic Naturals DHA Review – 8 Things You Should Know
By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc, Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir (Expert Reviewer)
DHA is marketed as a highly concentrated DHA formula designed to support learning, memory and mood. According to the manufacturer, the formula is suited for children, teenagers and pregnant women, but does not further explain the reasons the formula specifically targets these groups of patients.
DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is an Omega-3 fatty acid which plays an essential part in brain health. Furthermore, there is research that concluded that DHA consumption may be directly related to decreased rates of depression. Still, large-scale trials are required before it can be recommended in treatment therapies against depression and other mood related disorders.
The manufacturer is the American company Nordic Naturals, a company set up in the mid 1980’s with an excellent reputation. According to the company, the great majority of their products are third party tested for environmental toxins such as heavy metals or dioxins, thus ensuring that every product exceeds international pharmaceutical standards.
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1) What is DHA?
DHA is a formula with a high conecntration of DHA. Other ingriedients include Oleic Acid, an Omega -9 fatty acid and EPA, an Omega-3 fatty acid.
Both EPA and DHA are essential fatty acids for the human body. DHA is found in brain cells and retina and has proven essential to pre and postnatal development of the brain. In combination with EPA, tests have shown it to be effective to a certain extent in case of ADHD, autism and various cognitive decline and cognitive impairment issues.
2) DHA Nutrition Facts
DHA includes the following ingredients: EPA, DHA, Other Omega-3’s, Oleic Acid (Omega-9), Rosemary extract (as natural preservative), purified deep sea fish oil, soft gel capsule (gelatin, water,glycerin and natural strawberry flavor).
3) Does DHA Work?
DHA is presented as an important supplement to everyone’s diet, being especially recommended during pregnancy and the first year of life because, during this time, the infant’s brain requires a proper diet. Also, DHA applies to vegetarians, vegans and people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The product contains DHA. DHA is a fatty acid, traditionally found in fishes with high concentrations of Omega-3. It represents an essential ingredient in everyone’s diet because it has been found to reduce triglycerides in the blood. Unfortunately, DHA has some side effects, such as nausea, gas, and blood thinning when taken in high dosage. Therefore, it is important that people stop using this product, at least for a period, once they have one or more of the mentioned side-effects.
4) DHA: Pros and Cons
- Third party tested product
- Good reputation of the manufacturer
- Excellent consumer reviews
5) What You Need to Know Before Taking DHA
- No side effects specified, although the ingredients may cause such adverse effects under certain usage conditions
- No scientific results or research to prove the formula’s effectiveness
6) How Much Does DHA Cost?
DHA is an average priced supplement. It can be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s website (no shipping costs) or a number of online retailers. Some retailers may also offer discounts and promotions.
This product is sold in bottles containing 90 capsules, and its recommended dosage is two soft gels per day, with food, or as directed by the person’s health care professional or pharmacist.
7) Directions For Taking DHA
The recommended dose is 2 capsules, taken twice a day or as recommended by a healthcare professional. The manufacturer mentions no side effect associated to the formula, however if taken inadequately, DHA and EPA are knownt to cause serious adverse effects. Consumer reviews report increased effectiveness, improvement in mood and temper and no smell or fish aftertaste.
8) Our Final Take On DHA
DHA is a dietary supplement based on the Omega-3 DHA fatty acid. Recent research has shown the benefits of Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9’s on human health, therefore the abundance of similar products on the market. Nordic Naturals is one of the most apraised manufacturers of fish oil based supplements, with products thoroughly being tested for purity.
Although there is no trial to prove the product’s effectiveness, the company’s good name stands as guarantee. Consumer reviews support its beneficial effects and that the product actually delivers on its advertised benefit claims.
Still, it should be a pharmacist or health practioner who recommends the starting of a treatment based on Omega-3.
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Frequently Asked Questions about DHA
- Recent:
DHA includes the following ingredients: sea fish oil (from anchovies and sardines), soft gel capsules (gelatin, water, glycerin and strawberry flavor), d-alpha tocopherol (DHA) and rosemary extract.
DHA is a fatty acid that has been shown to prevent serious health issues. DHA is found in many of the foods that we buy at grocery stores. It can also be taken as a supplement. DHA from Nordic Naturals is a high-potency formula perfect for children, teenagers, and pregnant women. DHA is an essential nutrient for brain health, and original research on DHA has shown that it supports a healthy mood, structural integrity of the central nervous system, and cognitive function. DHA contains purified deep sea fish oil, natural strawberry flavor, d-alpha tocopherol and rosemary extract. The recommended dosage is two soft gels daily, with food.
DHA is advertised as a product that promotes heart health by decreasing levels of triglycerides in the blood. DHA represents an important part of a well-balanced diet that can be added as a supplement to those who do not get enough DHA through food sources. It can be taken in the form of oil, pill or even fortified in many dairy products. A low level of DHA has been thought to have a hand in those with Alzheimer's.
This product is considered to be efficient during pregnancy or an infant's first year of life. However, it should be taken carefully and within recommended dosage.
I can take these even on an empty stomach. I like the way they smell of strawberry. And they never have a bad after taste. The best fish oils I have ever taken! Nothing but strawberry taste!
This was recommended while I was pregnant and it is great stuff. I really trust this company to make a superior and safe product. Essential fatty acids are so important – take them too!