The relationship between OMEGA-3 and DHA and their respective characteristics are as follows:
1. Relationship
Affiliation: OMEGA-3 is a broad category of unsaturated fatty acids, while DHA is an important type of OMEGA-3 fatty acid family, specifically the abbreviation of docosahexaenoic acid. Therefore, DHA belongs to a type of OMEGA-3.
Chemical structure: In terms of chemical structure, OMEGA-3 is a long-chain molecule (containing more than 18 carbon atoms) formed by carbon and hydrogen atoms through interlinking, which contains 3~6 unsaturated bonds.DHA, as a type of OMEGA-3. also has a similar chemical structure, but with a higher number of carbon atoms (22) and more unsaturated bonds (6).
2. Characteristics of OMEGA-3
Source: mainly from deep-sea fish (such as salmon, cod, etc.), perilla seed oil, flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and certain plants (such as flaxseed, pecan kernel) in.
Physiological functions: It plays an important role in the human body, including lowering blood lipids, improving cardiovascular health, promoting brain development and cognitive function, protecting vision, anti-inflammatory effects and regulating mood.
3. Characteristics of DHA
Source: DHA mainly comes from fish (especially fat-rich cold-water fish) and algae. In addition, breast milk and some formulas also contain DHA.
Physiological functions: DHA is an important component of the brain and retina, and can promote the development of intelligence and vision. For adults, DHA also plays an active role in maintaining normal brain function, improving memory, and enhancing cognitive ability. In addition, DHA has the properties of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and anti-inflammatory.
4. Difference and connection
Difference:
In terms of source, although both originate from marine organisms and certain plants, the source of DHA is relatively more concentrated in fish and algae.
In terms of action, OMEGA-3 is a broad category with a variety of physiological functions, while DHA is more focused on promoting the development of the brain and retina as well as maintaining their functions.
In terms of application, OMEGA-3 is mostly used in adults or the elderly to improve cardiovascular health, etc., while DHA is mainly used in infants and young children to promote their brain and vision development.
Linkage:
DHA is a type of OMEGA-3 and therefore has some of the physiological functions of OMEGA-3.
It is possible to obtain both DHA and other types of OMEGA-3 fatty acids in the daily diet by consuming foods rich in OMEGA-3. such as deep-sea fish.