Evidence supporting the use of: DHA
For the health condition: Congestive Heart Failure

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oil and algae. Its use in congestive heart failure (CHF) is primarily based on scientific research, although the evidence is modest. Several studies have explored the role of omega-3 fatty acids—including DHA and EPA—in cardiovascular health. The GISSI-HF trial (Lancet, 2008), one of the largest and most cited studies, found that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (predominantly EPA and DHA) in patients with heart failure resulted in a small but statistically significant reduction in all-cause mortality and hospitalizations for cardiovascular reasons compared to placebo.

The proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory effects, improved endothelial function, antiarrhythmic properties, and favorable effects on cardiac remodeling. However, most studies utilize a combination of EPA and DHA, making it difficult to attribute the benefit specifically to DHA alone. Additionally, while some guidelines (such as the American Heart Association) mention omega-3 supplementation as a possible adjunct therapy in heart failure, the overall effect size is small, and not all studies have shown benefit.

In summary, there is scientific evidence supporting omega-3 fatty acids (including DHA) as adjunctive therapy in CHF, but the magnitude of benefit is modest, and definitive evidence for DHA alone is lacking. The overall evidence rating is 2/5, reflecting limited but notable scientific validation.

More about DHA
More about Congestive Heart Failure

Products containing DHA

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