What is DHA and why do you need it every day?

DHA what?! – you are probably thinking. In a world full of health jargon, it can be difficult to keep up with all these newfangled abbreviations, can’t it? So, if you’re sitting there wondering what is DHA???!, I hear you. But if there’s one thing that you really need to know about as a busy mum, it’s DHA.

What is DHA and why is it important?

Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of Omega 3 fat. When it comes to attaining optimal health levels in this crazy mum life, then DHA could very well help you out. Why? Because the importance of DHA for brain health[1] is big news.

It’s also good for heart health[2] and contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. We all know that when our brains function well we are more likely to be able to manage the demands of a hectic lifestyle and the juggling that so many of us experience as a busy parent.

Where do we get DHA from?

Fish, in particular, oily fish like salmon, mackerel and anchovies, is high in something called long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids (sorry more jargon I know!), which includes DHA.

With that said, your body can only make a small amount of DHA from other fatty acids, so you need to consume it directly from food or a food supplement.

Why you’re probably not getting enough

The NHS currently recommends that we should eat two portions of fish per week, with one of these being ‘oily’. However, a major new survey by Efamol® – leading experts in food supplements – reveals that the UK population is under-consuming oily fish with 60% saying they haven’t eaten it in the last week and a quarter saying they haven’t eaten it in the last six months. A fifth of those surveyed never eat it at all.

There is also widespread confusion about what oil fish actually is – 82% of the population think that tinned tuna is an oily fish or are unsure whether it is or not, thinking it counts as the one portion of oily fish. Yes, tuna does contain DHA – just at much lower levels of fish like salmon.

So with 250mg being the required daily DHA intake to maintain normal brain function and vision, where does this leave us?

How you can get DHA in your diet?

The survey also revealed Brits seem to be confused about what qualifies as an oily fish – 82% of the population think that tinned tuna is an oily fish or are unsure. Brits seem to believe it counts as the one portion of oily fish they should be eating per week when according to NHS guidance, it isn’t.

But if you just don’t don’t like oily fish (which many people don’t), then what else can you do?

Help is at hand – Efamol® has introduced two new products that are perfect for busy, stressed-out mums who need more DHA in their diet.

In an independent study[3], 85% would recommend Efamol Omega 3 DHA Drops to other parents, giving it 4/5 and ranking it 8 out of 10 on convenience – an innovative, high-strength sugar-free formula which is suitable for any age from 6 months plus so that means that not only mum – but the whole family – can benefit from adding a 1ml drop into their morning cereal or yogurt. With no fishy taste, suga- free and a natural mild lemon flavour it’s as easy as ABS to get your DHA. Something we do daily!

There is also Efamax High Strength Fish Pure Fish Oil – an ultra-strength formula that has been formulated with fish oil that contains 80% DHA and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid – sorry more jargon!).

How has DHA made a difference to my life?

I take a DHA supplement religiously every day (as well as giving to my daughter) and swear by it for helping me to stay focused and together as a busy mum.

I recently took a break from taking my DHA supplement and eventually I could feel the difference with my brain function and vision.

I really hope the above information about what DHA is and why you need it every day has been useful. I really do believe that as mums taking on so much in this world, that DHA is one element of our diets that shouldn’t be overlooked for so many reasons.

If on reading this you feel you need to supplement your diet with DHA, I would highly recommend the Efamol range which has been backed by scientific research on a pioneering international level, making them in my view one of the best quality supplements for an affordable price point on the market.

Efamol Omega 3 Drops (13.99)and Efamax High Strength Pure Fish Oil (£13.99) is part of the growing Efamol® range from the Essential Fatty Acid experts. Available from Amazon, Boots the Chemists, Health Food Stores, and Independent Pharmacies.

Please note supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

This post is part of a paid partnership with Efamol®. I was compensated for my time in writing this post. All opinions are my own.

References:

[1] DHA contributes to normal brain function. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250mg of DHA.

[2] The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250mg of EPA and DHA.

[3] Independent product test reviews from the Home Tester Club with 198 reviewers

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