docosahexaenoic acid

noun

do·​co·​sa·​hex·​a·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌdō-kō-sə-ˌhek-sə-ˌē-ˈnō-ik- 

: an omega-3 fatty acid C₂₂H₃₂O₂ found especially in fish of cold waters

—abbreviation DHA

Examples of docosahexaenoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Sardines provide two types of fatty acids—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Incorporating fatty fish with high omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), such as herring, mackerel, and salmon, may help regulate blood pressure. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Seafood is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA), and vitamins and minerals. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Sep. 2024

During pregnancy, the body converts ALA to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two essential fatty acids. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary docosanoic acid (a crystalline fatty acid) + hexa- + -ene + -oic

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

docosahexaenoic acid

noun

do·​co·​sa·​hex·​a·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌdō-kō-sə-ˌhek-sə-ˌē-ˌnō-ik- 

: an omega-3 fatty acid C₂₂H₃₂O₂ found especially in fish of cold waters

—abbreviation DHA