Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)

October 3, 2020

Overview

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. It's found in the flesh of cold-water fish, including mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, or seal blubber.

EPA is used as a prescription medicine to reduce triglyceride levels. As a supplement, EPA is most commonly used for heart disease, preventing adverse events after a heart attack, depression, and menopause. It is also used for chemotherapy-related side effects, recovery after surgery, memory and thinking skills, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Don't confuse EPA with similar fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as with oils like krill or fish oils, which contain both eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA. Most available data involving eicosapentaenoic acid are from research and clinical experience with fish oil products containing variable combinations of EPA and DHA. See the separate listings for alpha-linolenic acid, DHA, fish oil, and krill oil.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Omega 3 fatty acid

Primary Functions:

Reduce triglyceride levels

Also Known As:

Acide Eicosapentaénoïque, Acide Éthyle-Eicosapentaénoïque, Acide Gras Essentiel

How Does It Work?

EPA can prevent the blood from clotting easily. These fatty acids also reduce pain and swelling.

Uses

High levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia).Research shows that taking a prescription drug called Vascepa, which contains pure eicosapentaenoic acid, helps lowers triglycerides levels by 33% in people with very high levels. This prescription product also lowers triglyceride levels by about 22% and cholesterol levels by 6% in most people taking cholesterol-lowering drugs called "statins" who continue to have high triglyceride levels. Taking this prescription drug also reduces the risk of major heart-related adverse events by about 25% in people taking statins with persistent high triglyceride levels and other heart-related risk factors.
High levels of blood fats called triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia).Research shows that taking a specific product containing eicosapentaenoic acid as ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (Vascepa by Amarin) by mouth along with dieting and cholesterol-lowering drugs called "statins" reduces levels of triglycerides in people with very high levels. It might also improve cholesterol levels. This product is FDA-approved in adults with very high triglyceride levels.

A mental disorder marked by unstable mood and behavior (borderline personality disorder). Taking eicosapentaenoic acid seems to slightly lower aggressiveness and slightly relieve depression in women with this mood disorder.
Heart disease (cardiovascular disease). In people with high triglycerides and heart disease or a high risk of heart disease, research shows that taking a prescription drug called Vascepa reduces complications of such as heart attack and stroke.
Heart disease (coronary heart disease) . People with coronary artery disease who consume more eicosapentaenoic acid as part of their diet seem to have a slightly reduced risk of death. Early research shows that taking 1800 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid daily reduces the risk of heart-related adverse events such as heart attacks in people with high cholesterol and coronary artery disease.
Depression. Research suggests that taking pure eicosapentaenoic acid or fish oil containing at least 60% eicosapentaenoic acid reduces symptoms of depression. It might work best when used along with antidepressant drugs.
Symptoms of menopause. Research shows that taking eicosapentaenoic acid reduces how often hot flashes occur. But eicosapentaenoic acid does not seem to reduce the intensity of the hot flashes or improve overall quality of life.
Heart attack. After a heart attack, people may undergo a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to improve blood flow to the heart. Taking eicosapentaenoic acid by mouth along with a drug called a "statin" within 24 hours of PCI reduces the risk of heart-related adverse events such as an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) or death after the procedure compared to taking the "statin" alone. Also, taking eicosapentaenoic acid by mouth along with "statins" before undergoing PCI for chest pain reduces the risk of having a heart attack after the procedure.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

For high levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia): A specific prescription medicine containing pure eicosapentaenoic acid (Vascepa by Amarin) has been taken in doses of 2 grams twice daily along with dieting an possibly treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs called "statins."
For heart disease (cardiovascular disease): An ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid product (Vascepa, Amarin) 4 grams daily has been used for about 4.9 years.
For heart disease (coronary heart disease): 0.6 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid three times daily.
For depression: For treating depression, 0.5-1 gram of eicosapentaenoic acid (as ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid) twice daily has been used along with antidepressant medication. In some cases, eicosapentaenoic acid is taken with docosahexaenoic acid. The combination formulas containing at least 60% eicosapentaenoic acid seem to work best. For preventing depression in people receiving interferon-alpha treatment, 3.5 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid per day has been used for 2 weeks.
For heart attack: 1.8 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid daily in combination with "statins" has been taken for one month or one year following a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Taking 1.8 grams daily in combination with "statins" for one month before PCI has also been used.
For symptoms of menopause: 500 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (as ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid) three times daily has been used for up to 8 weeks.
For a mental disorder marked by unstable mood and behavior (borderline personality disorder): 1 gram of eicosapentaenoic acid (as ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid) has been used daily for up to 8 weeks.

Many fatty acid preparations such as eicosapentaenoic acid also contain small amounts of vitamin E as an antioxidant to prevent spoilage.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is EPA supplement good for?

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. EPA is used as a prescription medicine to reduce triglyceride levels. As a supplement, EPA is most commonly used for heart disease, preventing adverse events after a heart attack, depression, and menopause.

Is EPA and DHA good for you?

Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of omega-3 fat. Together, DHA and EPA may help reduce inflammation and your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease. On its own, DHA supports brain function and eye health.

What is the best ratio of DHA to EPA?

Although it has been proposed that DHA is more beneficial in terms of its anti-inflammatory effects as shown in various cellular models [39], it has been reported that supplementation with EPA/DHA at ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 reduces the inflammatory C reactive protein index more significantly than the ratio of 1:2.

What is EPA Omega?

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (O-3s) that are abundant in fish, shellfish, and some algae and genetically engineered plants. The body needs EPA & DHA omega-3s to develop and function optimally in every stage of life.

Is EPA or DHA better for inflammation?

Thus DHA again has little effect on cellular inflammation whereas EPA can have a powerful impact. The only way to control cellular inflammation in the brain is to maintain high levels of EPA in the blood. This is why all the work on depression, ADHD, brain trauma, etc. have demonstrated EPA to be superior to DHA (5).

Does EPA reduce inflammation?

While both DHA and EPA can reduce inflammation, a 2:1 EPA:DHA ratio seems to more effectively address inflammatory risk factors. Omega-3 fatty acids have been investigated for potential protection against development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Is EPA more important than DHA?

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Various studies indicate that fish oil, which is high in EPA and DHA, may reduce symptoms of depression. Some evidence suggests that EPA is superior to DHA in this regard.

Which is better for the brain EPA or DHA?

Is EPA or DHA better for depression?

Supplementation with the two main types of omega-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)³, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)^4,5, has also been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. Some studies have also demonstrated that different dosages of EPA and DHA may result in different levels of efficacy.

Is DPA better than EPA?

It's been promoted as more "powerful" than EPA and DHA. Answer: DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) is often the third most prevalent omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil -- although it typically occurs in much lower concentrations than EPA or DHA.

What foods are high in EPA?

The best sources of omega-3s

There are two dietary sources: EPA and DHA are primarily found in fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and anchovies. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) comes from vegetable oils, nuts, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, and leafy vegetables.

What is the difference between DHA and EPA omega 3?

EPA versus DHA

EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, which stands for docosahexaenoic acid, are both long-chain omega 3 fatty acids. Generally speaking, EPA supports the heart, immune system, and inflammatory response while DHA strengthens the brain, eyes, and central nervous system.

How much DHA and EPA should I take for inflammation?

As alluded to above, studies in healthy human volunteers suggest that an intake of >2 g EPA+DHA/day is required to affect inflammatory processes. There are few dose response studies investigating the effect of marine n-3 PUFAs in patients with inflammatory conditions.

How much EPA should I take for inflammation?

As alluded to above, studies in healthy human volunteers suggest that an intake of >2 g EPA+DHA/day is required to affect inflammatory processes.

Do you need both DHA and EPA?

Finally, although both have no effect on total cholesterol levels, DHA can increase the size of LDL particles to a greater extent than can EPA (10). EPA and DHA do different things, so you need them both, especially for the brain. If your goal is reducing cellular inflammation, then you probably need more EPA than DHA.

Can the body convert DHA to EPA?

Latest scientific data says some DHA can be converted to EPA in the body. But EPA does not appear to be converted to DHA. This means that you really need both EPA DHA Omega-3.

Is EPA or DHA better for ADHD?

Montgomery recommends choosing a fish oil supplement that contains a high ratio of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA) to omega-6 fatty acids (DHA). ... Many people who take fish oil use the omega-3 supplements as a complement to ADHD medication and/or other ADD treatments.

Is EPA good for depression?

Supplementation with the two main types of omega-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)³, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)^4,5, has also been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. ... Some studies have also demonstrated that different dosages of EPA and DHA may result in different levels of efficacy.

Which is better EPA or DHA in fish oil?

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Chronic, low-level inflammation is known to drive several common diseases ( 10 ). Various studies indicate that fish oil, which is high in EPA and DHA, may reduce symptoms of depression. Some evidence suggests that EPA is superior to DHA in this regard.

How much EPA and DHA should I take for depression?

What dose of omega-3s is beneficial? Doses for depression range from less than 1 g/day to 10 g/day, but most studies use doses between 1 and 2 g/day. In my practice, I recommend 1 to 2 g/day of an EPA+DHA combination, with at least 60% EPA, for major depression.