Zita West Vital DHA contains Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFA's) plus a small amount of zinc and has been designed to help protect both partners DNA from oxidative damage during preconception as well as to support normal fertility and healthy sperm production.
EFA's are important structural elements in the development of healthy cell membranes and body tissue during pregnancy. DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), in particular, plays a critical role in the development of a baby's brain during pregnancy and early infancy. Both partners should think about building their reserves prior to conception.
Vital DHA has been specifically developed to help support men and women during preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. EFAs are important in the development of healthy cells and body tissue during pregnancy and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), in particular, plays a critical role in the development of a baby’s brain during pregnancy and early infancy.
Babies are completely reliant on the mother's supply of EFAs, so it is important to meet the minimum daily intake via diet or foods. Especially if you don’t always have 2 portions of oily fish, like salmon, every week. Even if you do, we recommend women in particular ensure sufficient intake as the baby is completely reliant on the mother’s reserves of Omega 3 during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Vital DHA is ultra-pure and molecularly distilled to ensure that it is free of all known contaminants, including Mercury and does not contain any Vitamin A.
Directions: As a food supplement, take two capsules of Vital DHA daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional.
lf under medical supervision, seek guidance from your medical practitioner before using this product. Not recommended for haemophiliacs. Not suitable if taking anti-blood clotting drugs such as Warfarin, Heparin or Aspirin. Long term intake of more than 25mg of Zinc per day may lead to anaemia. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced and varied diet. Do not exceed the daily dose. For allergens, see ingredients in bold. May contain traces of macadamia, almond and sesame oil.
Fish oil (fish oil, antioxidant: mixed tocopherols), Fish gelatine, Glycerol, Silicon Dioxide, Colour (Caramel), Zinc oxide.
Per Serving (2 capsules) | Weight |
Fish Oil providing | 1072mg |
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA ) | 450mg |
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) | 96mg |
Zinc | 3mg (30%*) |
*Nutrient Reference Value
Why do I need to take Vital DHA if I am taking Vitafem?
Vitafem is an excellent multivitamins and minerals formula but doesn’t contain the essential fatty acids you need. By taking Vital DHA alongside, you will help to ensure you are optimally nourished when you get pregnant.
What are the benefits of taking both Vital DHA?
VitalDHA will help with hormone balance and egg production for conception, as well as increase your reserves of DHA to the benefit of your growing baby when you become pregnant.
Why should I take a supplement when I can take DHA from fatty fish?
It is sensible to incorporate fatty fish into your diet if you can. However, you would have to eat an awful lot of it to get the equivalent dosages delivered by the supplement. Unfortunately, as you may be aware, the FSA (Food Standards Agency) has recently had to warn women who are pregnant, or who are trying to get pregnant, to restrict their consumption of fresh tuna (the most popular of the oily fishes in the modern diet) due to concerns over the high levels of mercury found in some tuna fished from contaminated waters. VitalDHA does not contain any tuna but is produced from mixed, deep-sea, oily fish (using a process which removes any possible pollutants) and is biochemically screened for extra safety too.
How long in advance should I be taking Vital DHA?
We recommend that both men and women should ideally start to take a DHA supplement three to four months in advance of trying to conceive; but it is still worthwhile starting at any time prior to conception, or during pregnancy, for women. 8 out of 10 women enter pregnancy deficient in this essential fatty acid. It is important to take some form of DHA supplementation so that you can build your reserves for your developing baby. DHA supplementation has an important role to play for men too. It is thought that over 40% of cases of sub-fertility or infertility are now due to male factor problems (such as low-quality sperm or low sperm motility), where deficiencies in DHA may be a contributory influence.
Why is DHA going to be the next Folic Acid?
The benefits of taking folic acid or another equivalent form of Folate are now widely known, particularly its role in minimising the chance of anomalies in babies’ spines. And DHA is starting to get lots of recognition and press as well. A good maternal supply of DHA is crucial throughout pregnancy, particularly during the first 12-16 weeks of pregnancy when your baby’s brain and nervous systems are starting to develop. It’s important during the third trimester too (28 – 40 weeks) as this is when maximum brain development occurs. 70% of the nourishment your baby consumes during this period goes towards it.
Is there an RDA for DHA?
No, but research suggests 700 – 1000mg per day is what is needed to maximise this vital nutrient for your baby.
Is it possible to overdose on DHA?
It is best to maintain the recommended dosage on the product. 2 capsules provide 450mg of DHA per day.
How do I know DHA is safe to use during pregnancy?
Health experts around the world now agree on the importance of DHA both during pregnancy and the post-natal period.
I have read about fish oil being contaminated in the sea.
Vital DHA is produced from the oils of mixed, deep-sea fish, sourced from clean waters using only dolphin-friendly techniques to harvest the fish. The product is made from highly refined oils (using a process which removes any possible pollutants) and is biochemically screened for extra safety too, so there is no risk of contamination. Given the concerns that have been raised about excess levels of mercury in fresh tuna and the risks this could pose for women who are trying to get pregnant or who are pregnant, there is all the more reason to consider using a good DHA supplement to cover your nutritional needs during this critical period. Does not contain any tuna oil.
I am very forgetful in pregnancy. Can DHA help?
Your growing baby cannot manufacture his or her own DHA, so he or she has to rely on your diet and your sources. In all likelihood, this will come from your richest source – your brain. So far, there is no research to link memory loss directly with depleted levels of DHA, but it certainly seems possible that DHA deficiency may be an underlying cause.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of young children. Do not exceed the daily dose. If pregnant, or breastfeeding, or if you are taking medication, or on medical care, consult your physician prior to use. While we work to ensure that product information on our website is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our website. All information about the products on our website is provided for information purposes only. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented on our website. Please always read the labels, warnings, and directions provided with the product before using or consuming a product. In the event of any safety concerns or for any other information about a product please carefully read any instructions provided on the label or packaging and contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is not intended to substitute for advice given by medical practitioner, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements about products are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The customer reviews are only moderated for offensive content – they should not be regarded as medical or health advice; no reliance should therefore be placed on them; and they are not endorsed by Victoria Health. If you have any health problems or questions regarding the suitability of any product please contact a health professional. Products are not medicinal unless otherwise stated. Victoria Health accepts no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products by manufacturers or other third parties. This does not affect your statutory rights.