DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)
C22:6 n-3 · Docosahexaenoic acid
Mechanism
DHA (C22:6 n-3) is the longest and most highly unsaturated n-3 fatty acid and accumulates preferentially in neural tissue, retina and sperm membranes, where it helps determine membrane fluidity and the receptor environment. In stallions, targeted DHA intake has been associated with parameters of sperm quality (motility, membrane integrity after cooling and cryopreservation). For neural and retinal functions, the main evidence lies in human and laboratory-animal models and is transferred to the horse. DHA can theoretically be formed from ALA via EPA, but the conversion rate is low in the horse as in other species, so that marine sources (algal oil as a plant-based option, fish oil) represent the most reliable supply of preformed DHA. Controlled long-term equine data beyond the reproductive application are limited.
Cautions
- · Preformed DHA is reliably available only via marine sources/algal oil - ALA supplementation barely raises DHA tissue levels.
- · Oils oxidise rapidly; store cool/dark and cover the rising vitamin E requirement.
- · Effects observed in semen studies are dose- and product-specific, not transferable 1:1 to other applications.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.
Which dosage do the sources give for DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)?
Stated in the profile: No defined minimum requirement (NRC 2007 / GfE 2014). Marine intake mostly as an EPA+DHA combination, guideline value approx. 20-60 mg long-chain n-3/kg BW/day total; in stallion semen studies specifically DHA-enriched supplements. Algal oil as a plant-based DHA source. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)?
The profile cites: NRC 2007, Brinsko et al. 2005, and Hess & Ross-Jones 2014.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.