DHA levels: what's normal, high and low
An omega-3 fatty acid concentrated in the brain and retina. Important for neurological function.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
DHA is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 30.0 – 250 mcg/mL. At TestWell it's $69.99 all-in as Omega-3 Index, results in 7–10 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mcg/mL / ug/mL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 7–10 business days
- Price
- $69.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp
DHA Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 30.0 – 250 mcg/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What does a low DHA mean?
Low DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) reflects little recent intake of oily fish or DHA supplements. DHA is the dominant omega-3 in the brain and retina and the one that matters most in pregnancy and infancy; adults with low DHA have a lower Omega-3 Index and, in observational studies, higher cardiovascular risk. Plant omega-3 (ALA) barely converts to DHA, so vegans rely on algae-based supplements.
Common causes of a low DHA
- Low intake of oily fish
- Vegan or vegetarian diet without algae-based DHA
- High omega-6 intake, some genetic variants
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None directly
What clinicians usually check next
- Omega-3 Index
- Two to three servings of oily fish weekly, or 1–2 g/day EPA+DHA (algae DHA for vegans); retest in 4 months
- In pregnancy, discuss DHA intake with the obstetric clinician (200–300 mg/day is commonly advised)
How much DHA do I need?
There is no formal US requirement; 250–500 mg/day of combined EPA+DHA is the common adult target, with at least 200 mg DHA in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a DHA test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. DHA is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Index | This marker only | $69.99 |
| Longevity & Anti-Aging Panel | 13 tests | $239.99 |
| Healthy Aging Panel | 15 tests | $299.99 |
| Total Body Panel | 49 tests | $599.99 |
| Men's Superpowers Panel | 36 tests | $649.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for DHA: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $69.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $109.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside DHA.
Frequently asked
What does a low DHA mean?
Low DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) reflects little recent intake of oily fish or DHA supplements. DHA is the dominant omega-3 in the brain and retina and the one that matters most in pregnancy and infancy; adults with low DHA have a lower Omega-3 Index and, in observational studies, higher cardiovascular risk. Plant omega-3 (ALA) barely converts to DHA, so vegans rely on algae-based supplements.
How much DHA do I need?
There is no formal US requirement; 250–500 mg/day of combined EPA+DHA is the common adult target, with at least 200 mg DHA in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my dha?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get DHA results?
Most DHA results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a DHA test cost?
Our Omega-3 Index starts at $69.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my DHA test?
Fasting is not required for the DHA test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my DHA test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your dha?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $69.99.