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Fatty acids

DHA (22:6 n-3)

The long-chain omega-3 fat concentrated in the brain and the retina. Diet supplies it, mostly from oily fish.

Unit µmol/LTypical adult range 20–350 µmol/L
What it is

The long-chain omega-3 fat concentrated in the brain and the retina. Diet supplies it, mostly from oily fish.

Why it matters

With EPA it is the half of the omega-3 panel that responds to what you eat, so it is the row that shows whether a change in diet or a supplement actually landed.

Reading the number

It moves slowly -- red-cell turnover means several months before a change in intake is fully reflected. Check whether your report gives an absolute concentration or a percentage of total fatty acids, because the two do not compare.

What moves it
oily fish intakefish oil or algal supplementstime since last dosegenetics of fat conversion
Read alongside
EPA (20:5 n-3)Omega-3 totalAA/DHA ratio
When to raise it

Worth reading as part of the omega-3 panel rather than on its own.

Tracking only, not a diagnosis. The range above is a typical adult reference range — the range printed by the lab that ran your test is the one that applies to you. Discuss anything that concerns you with your doctor.

Also known as

On a report in another language.

A lab report names this analyte in its own language. Vitals Vault recognises each of these and files them all under DHA (22:6 n-3).

Docosahexaenoico [DHA] (C22:6 w3)DHAÁcido Docosahexaenoico

Track your dha (22:6 n-3) over time.

DHA (22:6 n-3) is one of 165 analytes Vitals Vault charts over time. Import a lab report in any language and this number lands on a timeline only you can read.

Continue with Google
Tracking only. This app is not medical advice. Always discuss results and future analysis with your doctor.

Catalog entry last updated 2026-08-28. Browse all 165 metrics.