French researchers have established that a 200 mg dose of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) a day is enough to boost cardiovascular health in men.

The team studied the effects of increasing doses of DHA on 12 healthy men aged between 53 and 65 years. The participants were asked to consume 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg per day of DHA, and spent two weeks taking each dose amount.

After the study was completed, blood and urine sample tests showed that the biochemical markers that predict cardiovascular problems—such as those related to aging, atherosclerosis and diabetes—were affected already at the lowest dose.

“This study shows that regularly consuming small amounts of DHA is likely to improve the health status of people, especially in regards to cardiovascular function,” said Michel Lagarde, co-author of the study.

While oily fish are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, many people who do not like their taste have successfully turned to nutritional supplements to ensure proper intake of these beneficial compounds.