Docosahexaenoic acid

Docosahexaenoic acid (CAS 6217-54-5), commonly known as DHA, is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid sourced from marine oils and microalgae. It functions as a bioactive nutritional ingredient in food and pharmaceutical formulations.

In infant formula and functional foods, DHA is incorporated to meet regulatory omega-3 content requirements and support nutritional labeling claims. It is essential for products where omega-3 enrichment is the primary objective.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an active ingredient in softgel capsules and prescription omega-3 concentrates. These products typically target cardiovascular and metabolic health markets requiring high-purity ingredients.

In personal care, DHA is formulated into skin-conditioning products where its fatty acid profile supports barrier repair. It is frequently used in emollient-rich creams and serums to enhance moisturization properties.

Food producers also use it to enrich dairy products, beverages, and fortified snacks. These applications often require encapsulated forms to manage oxidative stability and minimize any potential flavor impact on the final product.

DHA is available as a liquid oil and in microencapsulated powder form. The encapsulated grade is preferred for dry food applications where oxidation control is critical for maintaining shelf life and quality.

Standard supply grades include food-grade, USP, and pharmaceutical-grade concentrations. These typically range from 40% to over 90% DHA content in either ethyl ester or triglyceride forms for various industrial uses.

Algal-derived DHA is also available for vegetarian and vegan-certified supply chains. This ensures that manufacturers can meet specific consumer dietary requirements while maintaining high nutritional standards in their formulations.