What is the recommended daily dose of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)?

Recommended Daily DHA Intake

For general health, adults should consume 1.5-3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily, with 250-500 mg of this coming from DHA and EPA combined. For specific conditions like hypertriglyceridemia, higher doses of 4 grams per day of EPA+DHA may be required under medical supervision 1.

General Population Recommendations

Daily Intake Guidelines:

• General adults: 250-500 mg combined EPA+DHA daily 1
• Pregnant/nursing women: At least 300 mg DHA daily 2
• For cardiovascular benefits: At least 1 g EPA+DHA daily for those with documented coronary heart disease 1

Dietary Sources:

• Consume fatty fish 2+ times per week (equivalent to 8+ ounces weekly) 1
• Best sources include:
  • Salmon, rainbow trout, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies 1
  • These provide significant amounts of EPA and DHA without excessive mercury 1

Special Population Recommendations

For Hypertriglyceridemia:

• Higher dose of 4 grams per day of EPA+DHA is recommended 1
• This typically requires prescription supplements rather than dietary sources alone
• Monitor triglyceride levels regularly to assess response

For Pregnant/Nursing Women:

• Minimum 300 mg DHA daily for optimal fetal brain and neural development 2
• DHA makes up approximately 25% of total fatty acids in the human cerebral cortex 2
• Infants born to mothers supplemented with DHA show better cognitive development 2, 3

Safety Considerations

Maximum Safe Intake:

• Doses above 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from supplements should only be taken under medical supervision 1
• Very high intakes could potentially cause excessive bleeding in some individuals 1

Mercury Concerns:

• Choose low-mercury fish options when increasing fish consumption 1
• Avoid high-mercury fish such as king mackerel, marlin, shark, swordfish, and tilefish 2
• Pregnant women should limit white (albacore) tuna to 6 ounces weekly 2

Supplement Selection

When dietary sources are insufficient, consider these factors when selecting supplements:

• Choose supplements with added antioxidants (including vitamin E) to prevent oxidation 2
• Store supplements properly in airtight, dark containers and refrigerate after opening 2
• Phospholipid forms of DHA may have better brain bioavailability than free fatty acid forms 4

Clinical Monitoring

For those taking higher therapeutic doses (2-4g daily):

• Monitor bleeding times initially (bimonthly), then monthly once stable 1
• Regular lipid profile assessment to track triglyceride response 1
• Consider reducing to maintenance dose of 1g daily after normalization of lipid profile 1

DHA is essential for brain development and function throughout life 3, 5, with evidence supporting its role in cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and visual development. While dietary sources are preferred, supplements can help reach therapeutic levels when needed.