The ultimate guide to DHA Omega 3 for your family

There’s a lot of buzz about docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy, and for good reason. This superstar nutrient supports your baby’s developing brain and eyes. But DHA isn’t just for mamas-to-be. Its health benefits extend to kids and adults alike! 

DHA is an essential fatty acid known as Omega 3 that helps support heart and brain health. Paired with dietary sources of Omega 3, Organic Valley’s^® Family First™ milk is a simple, delicious way to get more DHA Omega 3 into your family’s diet.

Here’s what to know about DHA Omega 3, why you need it, and how drinking Organic Valley’s^® Family First™ milk makes it easier to meet those needs.

The details on DHA Omega 3: what is it, and what does it do in the body?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of three primary omega 3 fatty acids, along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). DHA Omega 3 is an essential structural component of the brain, retina and nervous system.

Your eyes and brain are especially high in DHA. Like the other fatty acids, DHA provides energy to the body and keeps your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system and hormones functioning as they should.

DHA is essential for pregnancy because it’s needed for the unborn baby’s oh-so-important developing brain and vision. DHA continues to support health through adulthood. Here’s how:

Supports heart health

DHA may help support your heart by maintaining normal circulation and supporting healthy blood lipids like triglycerides and cholesterol─all important for cardiovascular health.

Supports brain health and healthy cognitive function

Omega 3 fatty acids support your brain. DHA is the primary omega 3 in your brain, so there’s a close link between healthy cognitive function and this essential fatty acid.

Maintains healthy vision

DHA is a major structural component of the retina in your eye, so it helps maintain good vision. Your retina is in the back of your eye and helps your brain translate light into the images you see.

Food sources of DHA Omega 3

DHA is found in foods like oily fish and some types of eggs or added to enriched foods like Organic Valley’s^® Family First™ milk. Some plant-based sources like flax seeds and walnuts contain ALA, which the body can convert into DHA, but the conversion rate is very low, so getting direct sources of DHA is ideal.

How much DHA do you need?

Surprisingly, there isn’t a specific recommended daily intake just for DHA Omega 3. You should always discuss your specific needs with a healthcare provider. Getting most of your family’s DHA from food sources is a safe bet.

Organic Valley^® Family First™ milk makes it easy to boost DHA intake for kids and adults alike. 

Organic Valley^® Family First™ with DHA contains 50 mg of DHA Omega 3 per serving, making it easy to boost intake without another food fight with your child. 

Milk can be offered on its own, but you can also add DHA Omega 3 milk to smoothies or homemade shakes for a tasty treat. Plus, Organic Valley’s^® milk comes from pasture-raised cows raised on ethically sourced farms, so you can feel good about the choice for your family.