DHA belongs to a class of nutrients called essentials fatty acids (EFAs). It is an omega-3 fatty acid and is the primary fatty acid found in the gray matter of the brain. Because the brain consists of 60% fat, DHA is essential for healthy brain development and function. The average American diet is very low in DHA because of a decline in the consumption of sources containing DHA, such as fish. It is a major structural fat in the brain and retina, accounting for up to 97% of the omega-3 fats in the brain and up to 93% of the omega-3 fats in the retina.1 Scientists agree that DHA consumed in the diet can become available to support brain, eye and heart health.*