Frequently Asked Questions

What is DHA and why is it important?

DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is found throughout the body and is most abundant in your brain, eyes and heart. 60% of your brain is fat and DHA is the primary structural fat in both the brain and the retina. DHA is important for optimal brain and eye development in infants and has been shown to support brain, eye and heart health throughout life.

Who needs DHA?

Everyone needs DHA. Cells in the brain, retina, heart and other parts of the nervous system have connecting arms that transport electrical currents sending messages throughout the body. DHA ensures the optimal composition of these cells for the most effective transmission of these signals. Fortunately, most people have some in their diet, but the average American's diet is low in DHA. Low levels of DHA have been correlated with memory loss, mood swings and other mental and visual conditions. Research is underway to further determine the connection.

How much DHA do I need?

Currently, there is no recommended daily intake for DHA. However, various expert bodies have made independent recommendations for getting DHA in your diet.

What foods supply DHA?

The primary food sources of DHA are fatty fish and organ meats. And, as research continues to demonstrate just how important DHA is to our health, foods fortified with DHA are becoming increasingly available.

How do I know if I'm getting enough DHA in my diet?

Your DHA level can be estimated based upon your diet. If you eat at least two servings of fatty fish per week, for example, you are probably getting an adequate amount of DHA in your diet. Unfortunately, the typical American diet does not contain a significant amount of DHA. Calculate how much DHA is in your diet with Create-A-Meal.

What is the difference between DHA from algae and DHA from fish and/or fish oils?

Technically, there is no difference. Fish and fish oils are common sources of DHA. However, Martek has gone directly to the source and developed a process that extracts DHA from algae, the fish's original source. This yields a highly purified form of DHA (life'sDHA™). life'sDHA™ is from algae grown in fermentation tanks, not from fish, and therefore contains no ocean-borne contaminants. life'sDHA™ is used in dietary supplements, some functional foods and infant formula.

Is flaxseed oil a good source of DHA?

Flaxseed oil is a dietary source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor of DHA. The body can make small amounts of DHA from ALA, but this process is inefficient and variable. Therefore, if you are looking for the benefits of DHA, it is best to consume it directly.

Is life'sDHA™ safe?

Yes. life'sDHA™ is so safe, it’s the only source of DHA currently used in U.S. infant formulas. Currently, more than 90% percent of the infant formula sold in the U.S. contains life'sDHA™.

Does life'sDHA™ have any side effects?

life'sDHA™ is produced directly from microalgae under tightly controlled manufacturing conditions. There are no known side effects. DHA is naturally present in certain foods, and it behaves like any other fat in our digestive system.

Are life'sDHA™ brand supplements appropriate for vegetarians?

life'sDHA™ brand supplements contain life'sDHA™ - DHA from a vegetarian source. Yet, the capsule itself is made of gelatin which comes from a non-vegetarian source. life'sDHA™ oil is also available in a vegetarian capsule and sold by NuTru, the makers of Omega-Zen-3, and by Deva Nutrition, the makers of Vegan Omega-3 DHA.

Can I give life'sDHA™ brand supplements to my children?

Yes. life'sDHA™ brand supplements for kids are available for purchase. life'sDHA™ brand supplements contain life'sDHA™ a vegetarian source of DHA, made from algae. In fact, life'sDHA™ is so safe, it’s the only source of DHA currently used in U.S. infant formulas. As with any dietary supplement, a health care professional should be consulted.

What happens if my intake of life'sDHA™ brand supplements exceeds the recommended amount?

life'sDHA™ brand supplements are a safe, natural dietary supplement. Taking more than the recommended amount should not be harmful. For best results, life'sDHA™ brand supplements should be taken once per day, as directed.

Do I need life'sDHA™ brand supplements if I am already taking flaxseeds or flaxseed oil supplements?

Flaxseed oil is a dietary source of alpha-linolenic acid, ALA, a precursor of DHA. The body can make small amounts of DHA from ALA, but this process is inefficient and variable. Therefore, if you are looking for the benefits of DHA, for brain and eye health, it is best to consume it directly.

I read the Cornucopia Institute Report on DHA and ARA in infant formula. Are your products safe?

Millions of families using Martek’s products worldwide are familiar with the outstanding safety profile of our DHA and ARA, and are well aware of the important health benefits that our products provide for infants, children and adults. We are confident in our products and stand by both our safety record and the continually growing body of scientific evidence supporting the important health benefits of our nutritional oils. To read Martek's complete response to the Cornucopia Institute Report, click on the link below.