DHA Side Effects

Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, as it is commonly known, is a type of essential fatty acid, belonging to the group of omega-3 essential fatty acids. DHA naturally occurs in large amounts, in various cold water fish such as sardines, salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, tuna and certain algae and plankton. Fish liver oil is the primary source of DHA, as human body is unable to produce DHA. Fish oil, obtained from the tissues of oily cold water fish, contains large amount of DHA. It also contains the other omega-3 fatty acid, that cannot be synthesized by the human body, namely, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

DHA Benefits
As I said earlier, fish oil is the primary source of DHA, however, those whose diet lacks fish, need not worry, as there are scores of fish oil supplements available in the market. Fish oil supplements contain about 12% of DHA, and are commonly used all over the world. DHA supplements are often recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women and infants as it is known to help in brain and eye development of the fetus and infant. DHA is claimed to prevent cardiovascular diseases and help in lowering triglycerides.

DHA is good for heart health, as it helps in reducing blood pressure, improving blood flow, and decreasing inflammation. Studies show that DHA plays a significant role in brain development and overall mental health. It is also believed to prevent certain types of cancers and kidney disorders. Despite its various benefits, DHA is known to have certain adverse effects on our body.

What are Side Effects of DHA
There are several DHA supplements available in the market that are prepared from different sources such as flax seed oil, fish liver oil, cod liver oil, etc. There are no established DHA dosage recommendations, however, a daily dose of 300 mg, through dietary sources or supplements, is considered as safe. Higher dose of DHA can cause several side effects.

Some of the common side effects of DHA include:

• Nausea
• Bloating
• Fishy burps
• Bad breath
• Abdominal gas
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Nosebleeds

These common DHA side effects, though are not life-threatening, can be quite bothersome at times. Some people may experience allergic reactions such as rash all over the body, itchiness, swelling, hives, wheezing, difficulty in breathing or swallowing on consuming DHA supplements. Some DHA supplements are known to possess anti-coagulant properties. Consuming these DHA supplements may cause thinning of the blood. It may also affect the wound healing ability of the body. The body will tend to bruise easier and bleed longer. Such a condition may need immediate medical attention.

Stomach problems are commonly associated with over dosage of fish oil supplements. Pain in the stomach, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea are some of the common side effects associated with DHA supplements. Another issue of concern is the contamination of the fish oil supplements. If the fish from which the oil has been extracted are contaminated with toxins like mercury, lead, etc, it can have several adverse effects on the people consuming such supplements. The best way to avoid such contamination is to purchase high quality pharmaceutical grade fish oil.

If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above or allergic reactions, consult your health care provider immediately, to avoid the health hazards. However, if taken in appropriate amounts, there will be no side effects of DHA supplements, and you can enjoy the various benefits offered by them! Take care!