DHA is the other major marine omega-3 fatty acid. It is found in particularly large amounts in the membranes of the brain and the retina.
The EU has authorised the claims "DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function" and "DHA contributes to maintenance of normal vision". Both apply with a daily intake of 250 mg DHA. Together with EPA, the heart-function claim also applies (250 mg EPA and DHA a day).
In a fatty-acid test, DHA counts towards the Omega-3 Index.
Sources
- European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children’s development and health. Official Journal of the European Union (2012).
- [source pending] Source needed: textbook or review on how dietary fatty acids are incorporated into cell membrane phospholipids