DHANutrition library
DHA
The long-chain omega-3 most directly incorporated into the fetal brain and retina — distinct from total EPA+DHA (o3) but overlapping in seafood.
Trimester focus
| Stage | For the mother | For the baby |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester | Target ~200 mg/day DHA even when total o3 is lower. | Early neural membranes begin accumulating DHA. |
| Second trimester | Demand rises with fetal brain growth — salmon, sardines, or algae oil are efficient sources. | Retina and brain DHA accretion accelerates. |
| Third trimester | Peak transfer window — prioritise low-mercury fatty fish or verified DHA supplements. | Fetal brain DHA content increases sharply in this trimester. |
Target note
Scored separately from o3 (EPA+DHA) to highlight brain-specific DHA floor.