DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

Is DHA safe?

Updated 9 Nov 2026

Short answer

For most adults, yes, at the doses studied. EFSA found that DHA alone up to about 1 g a day raises no safety concern for the general population.[1] No upper limit has been set in the US or the EU.[2][1] Side effects of omega-3 supplements are usually mild: an unpleasant taste, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea and headache.[2][3]

DHA raises LDL cholesterol a little: by 7.23 mg/dL against placebo in a review of trials.[4] People who take warfarin should ask a doctor or pharmacist first, because prescription omega-3 labels call for INR checks.[2] In babies born before 29 weeks, a high dose of DHA raised the risk of a lung disease.[5]

Sources (5)

  1. 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
  2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.gov
  3. Omega-3 Supplements: What You Need To Know. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2024. www.nccih.nih.gov
  4. 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
  5. Docosahexaenoic Acid and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants. Collins CT, Makrides M, McPhee AJ, Sullivan TR, Davis PG, Thio M, et al. N Engl J Med, 2017. PMID 28355511

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.