Individuals with a genetic disorder known as Zellweger Syndrome are known to have low levels of DHA. DHA
supplementation in these individuals has demonstrated improvement in nerve myelination and nerve impulse
conduction, helping to improve muscle and vision function.15
Dosage Ranges
Therapeutic use of DHA is usually in the range of 1-3 gms of DHA from fish oil, most commonly 250 – 1,000 mg
per day.16
www.meschinohealth.com
30
Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Adverse Side Effects and Toxicity
See EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Contraindications and Drug-Nutrient Interactions
Fish oil supplementation may increase blood cholesterol and at high doses may increase insulin resistance in
diabetics, who should not exceed 2.5 gm of fish oil per day (taken as a supplement). Unlike EPA, DHA does not
potentiate the effects of anti-coagulant drugs and therefore, is not contraindicated with their use.
There are no well-known drug-nutrient interactions for DHA.12,13,14
1. Davidson MH, Maki KC, Kalkowski J, Schaefer EJ, Torri SA, Drennan KB. Effects of docosahexaenoic acid on serum lipoproteins in
patients with combined hyperlipidemia: A randomized, double-blind, placeb-controlled trial. J Am coll Nutr 1997:16,3:236-43.
2. Conquer JA, Holub BJ. Supplementation with an algae source of DHA increases (n-3) fatty acid status and alters selected risk factors for
heart disease in vegetarian subjects. J Nutr 1996;126:3032-9.
3. Nelson GJ, et al. The effect of dietary DHA on platelet function, platelet fatty acid composition, and blood coagulation in humans. Lipids
Comment [c6]: Could not find other authors
1997;32:1129-36.
4. Gibson RA, Neumann MA, Makrides M. Effect of dietary DHA on brain composition and neural function in term infants. Lipids
1996;31(Suppl):1775S-81S.
5. Makrides M, Neumann MA, Gibson RA. Is dietary DHA essential for term infants? Lipids 1996;31:115-9.
6. Werkman SH, Carlson SE. A randomized trial of visual attention of preterm infants fed DHA until nine months. Lipids 1996:31:91-7.
7. Soyland E, et al. Dietary supplementation with very long-chain n-3 fatty acids in patients with atopic dermatitis: a double-blind, multi-
Comment [c7]: Could not find other authors
centre study. Br J Dermatol 1994;130:757-64.
8. Arm JP, et al. The effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil lipids on the airway response to inhaled allergen in bronchial asthma.
Comment [c8]: Could not find other authors
Am Rev Respiratory Dis 1989;139:1395-400.
9. Dry J, et al. Effect of a fish oil diet on asthma: Results of a 1-year double-blind study. Int Arch Allergy Apply Immunol 1991;95:156-7.
Comment [c9]: Could not find other authors
10. Broughton KS, Johnson CS, Pace BK, Liebman M, Kleppinger KM. Reduced asthma symptoms with n-3 fatty acid ingestion are related
to 5-series leukotriene production. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65:1011–7.
11. Burgess JR, Stevens L, Zhang W, Peck L. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71,7(Suppl):327S-30S.
12. Schectman G, Kaul S, Kassebah AH. Effect of fish oil concentrate on lipoprotein composition in NIDDM. Diabetes 1988;37:1567-73.
13. Axelrod L. Effects of a small quantity of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular risk factor in non-insulin dependent diabetics(NIDD).
Diabetes Care 1994;17:37-45.
14. Healthnotes Online. Healthnotes Inc 2000:DHA.
15. Martinez M. Resortin the DHA levels in the brains of Zellweger patients. J Mol Neurosci 2001;85(6):966-74.
16. Dietary Supplementation Information Bureau. www.content.intramedicine.com:DHA.
www.meschinohealth.com
31
Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) (Fish Oil) (see also DHA)
General Features
Fish oil contains Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). These omega-3 fatty acids occur in
fish oil typically as 18 percent EPA, 12 percent DHA, for a total of 30 percent omega-3 composition.
These unique omega-3 fatty acids provide a number of health benefits such as lowering triglycerides, reducing platelet
stickiness and providing immediate precursors that provide anti-inflammatory activity.1,2
Supplementation with fish oil has been shown to increase the synthesis of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances)
and other eicosanoids that reduce inflammation and decrease platelet coaguability and thrombotic tendencies, while
facilitating vasodilation.3,4,5
Various polyunsaturated fats of the omega-6 and omega-3 series provide the precursors for prostaglandin and
eicosanoids synthesis. Omega-3 fats from fish oil have been studied extensively and a number of clinical trials reveal
the benefit of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in the prevention and management of various health conditions.3,4,5,6
Supplementation Studies and Clinical Applications