What Multivitamin Has DHA? Your Guide to Choosing the Right Supplement

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, the average DHA intake is often significantly lower than recommended guidelines for optimal health. Many individuals looking to boost their intake search for what multivitamin has DHA, as this vital omega-3 fatty acid is crucial for brain, eye, and heart function.

Quick Summary

This guide details which multivitamin formulations include DHA, covering options for prenatal, vegan, and general health needs. It explains the importance of DHA, lists specific brands incorporating it, and offers key criteria for selecting a high-quality supplement to best meet your nutritional goals.

Key Points

DHA is often not in standard multivitamins: Most general formulations do not contain this crucial omega-3 fatty acid. It is commonly added to specialized products, particularly prenatal and vegan varieties.
Prenatal vitamins are a key source: Leading brands like Nature Made and One A Day offer prenatal multivitamins with DHA to support fetal brain and eye development.
Vegan DHA is sourced from algae: Plant-based options, such as those from Ritual and Vedge, use microalgae oil to provide DHA, bypassing the need for fish oil.
Third-party testing is crucial: Ensure the supplement is verified by organizations like USP or NSF to guarantee potency, purity, and safety from contaminants like mercury.
Dosage and source matter: Pay close attention to the amount and source of DHA listed on the label, especially for pregnant women and those with dietary restrictions.
Not all multivitamins include sufficient DHA: Some general multivitamins with added omega-3s may have lower DHA levels than dedicated supplements, so check the label for specific milligram amounts.
Consider product format: Choose between combo-packs (separate multivitamin and DHA softgel) or single capsules based on convenience and specific needs.
Consult a professional: Speak with a healthcare provider to determine the right dosage and formula for your individual health requirements.

Understanding DHA and Multivitamins

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid. It plays a critical role in brain, eye, and nerve tissue health. While many multivitamins address common nutrient gaps, most do not automatically include DHA. Instead, DHA is typically found in specialized multivitamin formulations, such as those for prenatal and postnatal support, or as part of a separate omega-3 supplement.

The primary source of DHA in supplements is fish oil, which contains both EPA and DHA. For individuals following a plant-based diet, DHA is sourced from microalgae, the same algae that fish consume to produce their omega-3s. When choosing a supplement, it is crucial to check the ingredient list carefully, as a standard multivitamin alone may not provide this essential fatty acid.

DHA-Containing Multivitamins for Different Needs

Identifying a multivitamin with DHA depends heavily on your specific nutritional requirements. Different life stages and dietary restrictions call for different formulations. Here are some of the most common types:

Prenatal and Postnatal Vitamins: This is the most common category where you will find DHA included. Brands like Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA, One A Day Prenatal Advanced, and Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal all combine essential vitamins and minerals with DHA to support fetal brain and eye development. For example, the Centrum Prenatal +DHA offers a dual-pack system, with a multivitamin tablet and a separate softgel containing DHA and EPA. Postnatal vitamins also frequently include DHA to support nursing mothers and breastfed infants.
Vegan Multivitamins: As fish oil is not an option, vegan-friendly multivitamins that include DHA derive it from microalgae. Products like Vedge Vegan Omega 3 Multivitamin and Ritual Omega 3 DHA & EPA provide this essential fatty acid from plant-based sources. This is an important distinction for those following a plant-based lifestyle, as many standard multivitamins are not vegan-friendly due to the gelatin capsules used for fish oil.
Adult General Health Multivitamins: While less common, some general multivitamins are beginning to incorporate omega-3s. For example, Centrum MultiGummies Multi + Omega-3 includes a small amount of both EPA and DHA. However, the dosage is often lower than in dedicated omega-3 or prenatal supplements, and a separate omega-3 supplement may still be needed to meet recommended daily intake levels.

How to Choose a Multivitamin with DHA

Selecting the right supplement requires careful consideration beyond simply finding the right label. Here are key factors to consider:

Check Third-Party Verification: Look for certifications from organizations like U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.com. These certifications ensure the product contains what the label states, is free of harmful contaminants like mercury, and dissolves properly.
Evaluate DHA Dosage: The recommended daily intake of DHA varies depending on individual health goals and life stages, but most healthy adults need 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are typically advised to get at least 200 mg of DHA daily.
Consider Source: For non-vegans, fish oil is a common source, but check that it is from sustainably managed, mercury-free sources. Vegans and vegetarians must opt for algal oil, which is a clean, direct source of DHA from microalgae.
Read Labels for Combined Ingredients: Some brands offer a single pill, while others use a combo-pack system with a multivitamin tablet and a separate DHA softgel. A combo-pack can sometimes ensure the stability of the omega-3s, but a single pill is more convenient. Be aware that some gummy vitamins contain very low doses of DHA.
Discuss with a Healthcare Provider: Before starting any new supplement, consult with a doctor or registered dietitian. They can help identify your specific nutritional gaps and ensure the supplement won't interfere with any medications you are taking.

Comparison of DHA Multivitamins


Brand	Primary Target	DHA Source	DHA Dosage	Verification	Format
Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA	Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women	Fish Oil	200 mg	USP Verified	Softgel
One A Day Prenatal Advanced	Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women	Fish Oil	200 mg	N/A	Combo-Pack (Tablet + Softgel)
Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal	Pregnant Women (Vegan)	Algal Oil	350 mg	Clean Label Project Certified	Vegan Softgel
Centrum MultiGummies Multi + Omega-3	General Adults	Fish Oil	33 mg	#1 Doctor Recommended Brand	Gummy
Vedge Vegan Omega 3 Multivitamin	Plant-Based Adults	Algal Oil	EPA & DHA included	Third-Party Tested	Vegan Capsule

DHA's Broader Role in Health

Beyond prenatal care, DHA's health benefits extend to overall wellness for adults and children alike. It is a major structural component of the retina, and getting sufficient DHA may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration. It also plays a significant role in maintaining cognitive function and heart health. DHA's anti-inflammatory properties are also under investigation and show promise for supporting a healthy inflammatory response at the cellular level.

For those seeking a multivitamin with DHA, the options are increasingly available and cater to diverse needs, including vegan and targeted formulations for women's health. The most important step is to be an informed consumer by checking labels, understanding dosages, and seeking third-party certification. By doing so, you can effectively bridge nutritional gaps and support your health journey with a comprehensive and reliable supplement.

Conclusion

Incorporating a multivitamin with DHA is a practical way to ensure you are meeting the recommended intake of this critical fatty acid, especially for specific populations like pregnant women and vegans. Several trusted brands, including Nature Made, One A Day, Ritual, and Vedge, offer high-quality options tailored to these needs. By prioritizing third-party verification and a suitable dosage, you can confidently select a supplement that supports brain, eye, and overall health. DHA is a powerful nutrient, and its inclusion in a daily multivitamin can provide significant, long-term health benefits for many individuals.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most standard adult multivitamins do not contain DHA. You typically need to choose a specialized formula, such as a prenatal vitamin, a vegan option using algal oil, or a multivitamin specifically marketed with added omega-3s.

Yes, several vegan multivitamin brands, including Ritual and Vedge, include DHA derived from microalgae oil. This provides a clean, plant-based source of omega-3s without relying on fish oil.

General guidelines for healthy adults suggest 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, at least 200 mg of DHA daily is recommended to support fetal and infant brain development.

DHA from fish oil is sourced from oily fish, which naturally accumulate omega-3s from their diet. Algae oil is a vegetarian source derived directly from the microalgae that fish eat. Both sources provide DHA, but algae oil is a suitable option for those avoiding animal products.

DHA is an essential fatty acid that plays a critical role in brain, eye, and heart health. Including it in a multivitamin ensures you receive this vital nutrient along with other essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall wellness.

Popular brands offering prenatal multivitamins with DHA include Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA, One A Day Prenatal Advanced, and Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA.

The choice depends on your preference. Some combo-packs keep the DHA softgel separate from the multivitamin tablet to ensure stability, while all-in-one pills offer greater convenience. The effectiveness of the nutrients should not be compromised in either format if the product is high-quality.