Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What does docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) do?

Docosahexaenoic acid (omega-3 acid ethyl esters) or what is known as DHA is a type of fat found in fish oil.

DHA supplements belong to a class of drugs calledlipid-regulating agents,namely reducing the production of fat in the blood (triglycerides) and bad cholesterol. Therefore, this supplement is usually recommended for people who have high triglyceride levels.

Triglyceride levels that are too high can cause diseases such as coronary heart disease, liver disease, and stroke. Apart from helping reduce triglyceride levels, this supplement can also increase good cholesterol (HDL).

Usually, this supplement is used when your blood fat levels are still not completely controlled with only non-drug treatments (for example, diet changes, exercise, alcohol reduction, weight loss, controlling blood sugar, and normalizing thyroid hormone levels).

This supplement is included in the over-the-counter drug class, which means you can buy it at a pharmacy freely either without or with a prescription from a doctor.

How do I take docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)?

There are several things you should pay attention to when using DHA, including the following.

• Take supplements only by mouth, usually once to twice a day with meals or depending on how your doctor directs you.
• Swallow this supplement completely. Do not chew, crush, open, or dissolve.
• If you have trouble swallowing this medication, tell your doctor.
• To get the most of the benefits of DHA supplements, don't skip the dosage. Always remember to take it at the same time every day.
• Continue to use supplements if your doctor doesn't recommend quitting even though you feel healthy and fit. Most people with high triglyceride levels don't feel sick.
• Have your blood checked according to the doctor's advice.
• Follow the diet and exercise plan that your doctor has created for you.
• Dosage depends on your health condition and response to therapy.
• It may take you up to two months to get the most from this drug.

How do I store docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)?

DHA is best stored at room temperature and kept away from direct light exposure. Place DHA away from damp places. Avoid storing DHA in the bathroom or freezing it in the freezer.

Other brands of DHA may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush DHA down the toilet or into drains unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about how to safely dispose of DHA supplements that you no longer use.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for adults?

Adult dosage for hypertriglyceridemia

4 grams taken orally daily, can be used in one dose or split into two doses. This medicine should be taken after meals.

Before taking this supplement, you will be asked to check your triglyceride levels first. Moreover, when you have a disease that can cause triglycerides to rise, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism.

Before and during taking this supplement, you are also advised to adjust your diet.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) dosage for children

There is no provision for the dose of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) available?

DHA is available in the following dosages and forms:

Capsules, eat: 1 gram

Side effects

What are the side effects that can arise from using docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)?

As with the use of other medicines, get medical help immediately if you experience allergy symptoms such as the following:

• hard to breathe
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• itchy skin

Stop using this drug if you have symptoms such as:

• fever, chills, flu symptoms
• chest pain
• irregular heartbeat

There are also some other side effects that are quite common after using this drug, such as:

• stomach ache, belching
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea, constipation
• back pain
• dry mouth, numb tongue

Not all of the side effects mentioned above will be experienced by all users of DHA supplements. In fact, there are users of this supplement who don't feel any side effects at all.

If you have any concerns about other unspecified side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should I know before using docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)?

Some of the following things are important to know and do before using DHA supplements, namely:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have an allergy to omega-3 acid ethyl esters. fish, including shellfish (clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster, crayfish, crab, mussels, and others); other treatment; or other ingredients in omega-3 acid ethyl esters capsules.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or intending to take. Be sure to mention some of the following: anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin; aspirin or products containing aspirin; beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); clopidogrel (Plavix); diuretics ('water pills'); contraceptives containing estrogen (KB pills, patches, rings, and injection); estrogen replacement therapy. Your doctor should change the dosage for your medication or monitor you intensively to avoid side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking omega-3 acid ethyl esters, contact your doctor.
• If you are going to have a surgical procedure, tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking DHA supplements.
• Avoid using alcohol while using this supplement, as alcohol can increase triglyceride levels and can potentially make your condition worse.
• Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol while using this medicine. This is because using this drug will not be effective at lowering triglycerides if you do not follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor.

Is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using omega-3 acid ethyl esters in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. However, this drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = Not at risk

B = No risk in several studies

C = May be risky

D = There is positive evidence of risk

X = Contraindicated

N = Unknown

Interaction

What medicines may interact with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can interact with other medications you are currently taking. The interactions that occur have the potential to change how the drugs work or increase the risk of serious side effects from drug use. To prevent this, you should keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Interactions with drugs

DHA can increase the risk of bleeding when taken together with medications that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include:

• aspirin
• anticoagulants (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin
• antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

Additionally, DHA can have an impact on blood sugar. Pay attention to drug warnings when using medications that also have an impact on blood sugar. Those of you who take oral medication for diabetes or increase insulin must be monitored intensively by a health professional, including a pharmacist. Treatment adjustments can be made if needed.

Interactions with herbs and dietary supplements

DHA can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Several cases of bleeding have been reported, concerned with ginko biloba, and several other cases concerned with garlic and palmetto. Several other agents also theoretically can increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in the form of case reports.

Additionally, DHA can impact blood sugar levels. Drug use warnings must be observed when using herbs or supplements that can also affect blood sugar. Blood glucose should still be monitored and the dosage of supplements may require adjustment.

DHA can lower blood pressure. Supplement warnings must be observed, especially when taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure. DHA can also interact with some herbal medicines and dietary supplements, such as:

• anti-allergic herbal medicine
• anti androgen herbal medicine
• herbal medicine and anti-cancer supplements
• antidepressants (SSRIs)
• antiestrogens
• anti-inflammatory
• antioxidants
• antipsychotics
• herbal remedies and cholesterol-lowering supplements
• conjugated linoleic acid, which is an essential fat needed by the body
• evening primrose oil,natural ingredients that are known to be good for the skin
• fat soluble vitamins
• folic acid
• gamma-linolenic acid
• glucosamine
• herbal remedies and supplements that can impact the immune system
• herbal remedies and supplements that can impact the nervous system
• herbal remedies and supplements that can affect toxins in the liver
• herbal remedies and supplements that can have an impact on heartbeat irregularities
• herbal remedies and supplements that can treat arthritis
• herbal remedies and supplements that can treat asthma
• herbal remedies and supplements that can treat heart disorders
• herbal remedies and hormone supplements
• hormone replacement therapy
• lycopene
• medium-chain triglycerides
• phosphatidylserine
• phytosterols
• policosanol
• selenium
• vitamin E

Does food or alcohol interact with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)?

DHA can interact with food or alcohol by changing how medications work or increasing the risk of serious side effects. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist about food or alcohol that has the potential to cause interactions before taking this drug.

Avoid all types of drinks or foods that contain alcohol when using DHA supplements, because alcohol use can increase triglyceride levels which can actually make your condition worse.

What health conditions may interact with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)?

DHA can interact with your health condition. These interactions can worsen your health condition or change the way the drugs work. It is very important to keep your doctor and pharmacist informed about all matters relating to any current health problem you have, especially:

• Diabetes
• Liver disorders
• Heart rate abnormalities
• Pancreatic disorders
• Underactive thyroid

Overdose

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Symptoms of an overdose that may result from overuse of DHA supplements are fainting or loss of self-awareness or difficulty breathing.

What should I do when I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of DHA, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if the time you are about to take the missed dose is close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule.

Do not double doses because using multiple doses does not guarantee that your condition will get better sooner. In fact, you may endanger yourself because double doses have the potential to increase the risk of side effects that may occur due to using more than the prescribed dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.