DEVA Vegan Omega-3 DHA is a quality product derived from algae and packaged in non-animal softgels made from carrageenan and starch. This makes an excellent alternative to fish oil and can be confidently used by vegetarians and vegans alike. Vegans are particularly prone to diets low in omega-3 fatty acids.
DHA is a long chain polyunsaturated omega-3 oil. It is an essential fatty acid, meaning that the body doesn’t produce it by itself and it must be obtained in the diet. DHA is one of the most prominent essential fatty acids in the brain and in the retina. DHA has been found to be very important for fetal brain development, as well as the brain development of infants and children.*
Omega-3 Oils ,including DHA, may also help cardiovascular health.* Supportive but inconclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Unfortunately, typical Western diet does not likely contain adequate amounts of DHA and fish oils may contain pollutants like mercury and dioxin*. Pollutants may be retained in fish oils collected from contaminated fish unless thorough distillation and filtration are employed.
The DHA in Vegan DHA Softgels comes from algae which has been grown under sanitary conditions and is clean, safe and free from ocean-borne contaminants. The softgels are made from non-animal materials as well.
References:
*Walser B, Stebbins CL. “Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation enhances stroke volume and cardiac output during dynamic exercise.” Eur J Appl Physiol. 2008 Jun 18.
*Sidhu KS. “Health benefits and potential risks related to consumption of fish or fish oil.” Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003 Dec;38(3):336-44.
*Lauritzen, L. et al. The essentiality of long chain n-3 fatty acids in relation to development and function of the brain and retina. Prog Lipid Res, 2001. 40:1-94.
* Koletzko B, Lien E, Agostoni C, Bohles H, Campoy C, Cetin I, Decsi T, Dudenhausen JW, Dupont C, Forsyth S, Hoesli I, Holzgreve W, Lapillonne A, Putet G, Secher NJ, Symonds M, Szajewska H, Willatts P, Uauy R. The roles of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy, lactation and infancy: review of current knowledge and consensus recommendations. Journal of Perinatal Medicine. 2008;36(1):5-14.
* Eilander A, Hundscheid DC, Osendarp SJ, Transler C, Zock PL. Effects of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on visual and cognitive development throughout childhood: A review of human studies. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 2007;76:189-203.
* Specker, B. et al. Differences in fatty acid composition of human milk in vegetarian and nonvegetarian women: long-term effect of diet. J Pediatr Gastroent Nutr, 1987. 6:764-8.
* Heude B, et al. Cognitive decline and fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes - The EVA Study. Am J Clin Nutr, 2003.
* Salem N Jr, et al. Mechanisms of action of docosahexaenoic acid in the nervous system. Lipids, 2001. 36:945-59.