DHA vs. DHEA

DHA and DHEA are two completely different nutritional supplements. However, because both are sold as naturopathic medicines, and because they have similar acronyms, the two products are often confused. Many prospective customers scratch their heads in the aisles of supplement stores, wondering to themselves, "What is the difference between DHA and DHEA?"

Different Names

DHA and DHEA have similar acryonyms, but their names and compositions are completely different. DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone, while DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid. Other than being similarly unpronouncable, the two names share nothing in common because their chemical compositions are entirely different.

Different Functions

Both DHEA and DHA are found within the human body. DHEA governs the production of reproductive hormones, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. DHA is in no way directly involved in hormonal composition; it is an esssential omega-3 fatty acid obtained through the diet and used throughout the body.

Different Origins

Humans do not obtain appreciable levels of DHEA through food; it is produced naturally by the body's endocrine system. Although DHEA can be extracted from wild yam and soy, the human body can not make DHEA from these foods. DHA, on the other hand, is found in the human diet, most notably in seafood. Nutritional supplements containing DHEA are semi-synthetic, but DHA occurs naturally in fish oil, krill oil and algae oil.

Different Uses

DHA and DHEA have completely different uses in naturopathic medicine. DHEA is used primarily as a treatment for lupus, hormone imbalances, schizophrenia, erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis. DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids are used to treat heart disease, inflammation, mental disorders and neurological disease. They fulfill completely different purposes within the human body.

Different Side Effects

Although DHA is generally recognized as safe and causes few or no serious side effects, DHEA can be dangerous. DHA is safe for children and does not have any major drug interactions, but DHEA can cause serious and life-threatening complications for young people and those taking medication. Although DHA is not regarded as a performance-enhancing drug, many athletic organizations have banned the use of DHEA.