Fatty Acid
Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Also known as: DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, ALA, alpha-linolenic acid
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids including DHA and ALA, which serve as structural components of cell membranes and signaling precursors. Found in fish oils (DHA) and plant sources (ALA).
Daily target & upper limit
500 mg / dayOther Omega-3 Fatty Acids has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids dosage reference →Primary uses
- brain and eye health
- cardiovascular support
- anti-inflammatory
- fetal and infant development
How it works
- DHA integrates into neuronal and retinal cell membranes
- serves as precursor to neuroprotectin D1 and other specialized mediators
- reduces neuroinflammation
- supports synaptic plasticity
Dosage
- Typical range
- DHA: 200-1,000 mg daily; ALA: 1-2 grams daily from plant sources
- Timing
- with meals for optimal absorption
- With food
- recommended for fat-soluble absorption
- Duration
- long-term supplementation appropriate and safe; DHA accumulates in neural tissue over time
- Special populations
- pregnant and lactating women benefit from 200-300 mg DHA daily; infants require adequate DHA for neurodevelopment
Forms
- fish oil (DHA-rich)· 70/100
- algae oil (DHA)· 70/100
- flaxseed oil (ALA-rich)· 70/100
- chia seed oil (ALA)· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- fishy aftertaste (fish-based)
- mild GI upset
- loose stools
Contraindications
- allergy to source material
- bleeding disorders (high-dose fish oil)
- scheduled surgery
Products containing Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good evidence for DHA in brain development and cognitive health; strong evidence for cardiovascular benefits of combined EPA/DHA. ALA has weaker direct evidence (requires conversion to EPA/DHA).
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Cited research for Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention other omega-3 fatty acids. Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Nicholls et al. (2020)JAMA
Effect of High-Dose Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs Corn Oil on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (STRENGTH)
- Skulas-Ray et al. (2019)Circulation
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association
- Liao et al. (2019)Translational Psychiatry
Efficacy of omega-3 PUFAs in depression: a meta-analysis
- Mori (2014)Fitoterapia
Omega-3 fatty acids and hypertension in humans
- Makrides et al. (2010)JAMA
Effect of DHA supplementation during pregnancy on maternal depression and neurodevelopment (MFGD)
- Ziegler D, Ametov A, Barinov A, et al. (2006)Diabetes Care
Efficacy of orally administered alpha-lipoic acid for symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: the SYDNEY 2 trial
- Ziegler D, Nowak H, Kempler P, et al. (2004)Diabetic Medicine
Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: a meta-analysis
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