DHA is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid found throughout the body. More specifically, DHA Omega-3 is a major structural component found in the brain gray matter, eye retina and the heart. Numerous scientific studies confirm that everyone, from infants to adults, benefit from an adequate supply of DHA Omega-3. For mothers-to-be, DHA Omega-3 supports a healthy pregnancy. For toddlers, children, teens and adults, DHA Omega-3 supports brain, eye and heart health. Increased intake of DHA has been shown to be beneficial in inflammatory disorders, arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, thrombosis, and some cancers. Although DHA is naturally found in different types of fish oil and marine plankton, it is expected that its supply will be insufficient to meet growing demands. Moreover, fish oil requires extensive purification, has unpleasant tastes and odors, and is subject to environmental bioaccumulation of heavy metal contaminants.
Avesthagen was awarded a prestigious grant for its research on Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from CSIR under the New Millennium Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) scheme. The collaborative project between Avesthagen and three Indian Institutional partners had the objective to identify cost effective and renewable sources of DHA & other LCPUFAs.