DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

Does DHA raise LDL cholesterol?

Updated 9 Nov 2026

Short answer

Yes, a little. In a review of placebo-controlled trials, DHA raised LDL cholesterol by 7.23 mg/dL, while EPA did not raise it.[1] In 11 trials of algal oil, the rise was 0.23 mmol/L, together with a rise in HDL cholesterol of 0.07 mmol/L.[2]

EFSA found that 2 to 4 g of DHA a day raises LDL cholesterol by about 3%, which may not change the risk of heart disease.[3] DHA also made LDL particles larger.[4] People with high LDL cholesterol should ask a doctor or pharmacist first.[1]

Sources (4)

  1. Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid versus docosahexaenoic acid on serum lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Wei MY, Jacobson TA Curr Atheroscler Rep, 2011. PMID 21975919
  2. A meta-analysis shows that docosahexaenoic acid from algal oil reduces serum triglycerides and increases HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in persons without coronary heart disease. Bernstein AM, Ding EL, Willett WC, Rimm EB J Nutr, 2012. PMID 22113870
  3. Scientific Opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). European Food Safety Authority, 2012. efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. The Differential Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review. Innes JK, Calder PC Int J Mol Sci, 2018. PMID 29425187

More about dha (docosahexaenoic acid)

What is DHA?Does DHA lower inflammation?How much DHA is recommended in pregnancy?What is the difference between DHA and EPA?What is DHA used for?Can the body make its own DHA?

For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.