DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid concentrated in brain gray matter, retina, and sperm membranes. It supports neural development and visual function and is particularly important during pregnancy, infancy, and aging. Higher DHA intake is linked with better cognitive performance and possibly slower cognitive decline. Oily fish and algae are the main sources.
Optimal range: who says what
Institutions, researchers and practitioners draw the line in different places. Each position is listed with who holds it and, where a document states it, a link. How we verify ranges.
- Institution or studyOmega-3 Index (EPA+DHA) of 8% or higherOmega-3 Index research (Harris et al.)DHA alone has no consensus target; it is tracked as part of the index
- Lab reference intervalNo established reference range; higher levels generally betterWhat a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
2 providers include this
Advanced / Specialty Markers
Why DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) matters
Critical for brain structure and function. Essential for cognitive health and mood. Important in pregnancy for fetal brain development.
Which Providers Test DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)?
Cheapest: Superpower at $349/year. Most comprehensive: Vitality Blueprint Elite, 138 biomarkers for $700/year.
2 panels that include it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
 Superpower | $349 | 100+ | $3.49 |
| $700 | 138 | $5.07 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
19 itemized panels do not include DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
WHOOP Advanced Labs · Labcorp OnDemand · Life Extension Elite · Everlywell · Mito Health · InsideTracker · Function Health · Marek Health Base · Marek Health Comprehensive · Marek Health Complete · Marek Health Executive · Blueprint · Empirical Health · Oura Health Panels · SiPhox Health · Hims Labs · Healthspan · Vitality Blueprint Standard · Ultrahuman Blood Vision Annual
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). Check with them directly.
Life Extension Standard · Quest Health · Ultrahuman Blood Vision · Lifeforce · Hundred Health · Personalabs · Walk-In Lab · HealthLabs · WHOOP Specialized Panels · Marek Health Essential · Vitality Blueprint Upload
Experts discussing DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
Podcast episodes where clinicians and researchers cover this marker in depth. Curated by hand; an episode is listed only when the marker is a substantial topic, not a passing mention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)?
Published position: Omega-3 Index (EPA+DHA) of 8% or higher (Omega-3 Index research (Harris et al.)). No established reference range; higher levels generally better.
Which blood test providers include DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)?
2 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) in their panels. This biomarker has limited availability.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed Aug 26, 2026 · First published Sep 30, 2025