DHA (DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID) 10%

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is a pivotal omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), recognized for its indispensable role in human health. This 10% concentration of DHA, often derived from sustainable algal or fish oil sources and presented in a stable powder form, offers a convenient and effective way to integrate this vital nutrient into various formulations. DHA is a major structural component of cell membranes, particularly abundant in the brain's gray matter and the retina of the eye. Its unique biochemical structure, characterized by six double bonds, imparts crucial fluidity to cell membranes, facilitating efficient signal transduction and cellular communication. As an essential fatty acid, the body's capacity to synthesize DHA from its precursor, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is often insufficient to meet physiological demands, underscoring the necessity of dietary intake or supplementation to maintain optimal levels for health and development. This ingredient is carefully processed to ensure high purity and stability, making it ideal for a wide range of product applications.

The health benefits of DHA are extensively documented across numerous scientific studies. In cognitive function, DHA is critical for neurodevelopment in infants and maintaining brain health throughout adulthood. Research published in the *Journal of Alzheimer's Disease* indicates that adequate DHA intake is associated with improved memory and executive function, highlighting its role in neuronal membrane integrity and neurotransmitter activity. Furthermore, DHA is paramount for ocular health, being the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the retina, where it supports photoreceptor function and visual acuity. Clinical evidence suggests its protective role against age-related macular degeneration. From a cardiovascular perspective, DHA contributes to healthy lipid profiles by reducing triglyceride levels, modulating blood pressure, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Its active metabolites, known as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) such as resolvins and protectins, play a key role in resolving inflammation at a cellular level, distinguishing it from mere suppression.

DHA 10% powder is highly versatile for various supplement and functional food applications, including infant formulas, children's nutritional products, fortified beverages, and dietary supplements in capsule or powder forms. When formulating with DHA, critical quality considerations include the source's purity, ensuring freedom from heavy metals, PCBs, and dioxins, which is especially important for marine-derived ingredients. Stability against oxidation is also paramount, often achieved through microencapsulation technologies and the inclusion of natural antioxidants like tocopherols. Scientific research consistently underpins DHA's efficacy; for instance, a comprehensive review in the *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews* confirmed DHA's positive impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes in early life. Regulatory bodies globally, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. FDA, acknowledge and support specific health claims related to DHA's role in brain, eye, and heart health, further validating its importance as a nutritional ingredient. Rigorous third-party testing for potency and purity ensures product integrity and consumer confidence.