What is omega-3 EPA DHA?

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.

What is omega-3 EPA DHA good for?

Studies have shown that EPA and DHA are important for proper fetal development, including neuronal, retinal, and immune function. EPA and DHA may affect many aspects of cardiovascular function including inflammation, peripheral artery disease, major coronary events, and anticoagulation.

Is EPA and DHA same as omega-3?

There are the two main types of omega-3 fatty acids: Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are plentiful in fish and shellfish. Algae often provides only DHA.

Is EPA or DHA better for omega-3?

The results showed that DHA had a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than EPA: DHA lowered the genetic expression of four types of pro-inflammatory proteins, whereas EPA lowered only one type. DHA lowered white blood cell secretion of three types of pro-inflammatory proteins, whereas EPA lowered only one type.

Do I need more EPA or DHA?

Most fish oil supplements have a one to one ratio of DHA to EPA. If your goal is to dampen or prevent inflammation—aches, pain, swelling—then standard fish oils or a fish oil with more EPA may be desirable. However, if you want to improve brain function, then consider a fish oil with a higher concentration of DHA.

Do I need more DHA or EPA?

What strength of omega-3 is best?

Official omega-3 dosage guidelines Various mainstream health organizations have released their own expert opinions, but they vary considerably. Overall, most of these organizations recommend a minimum of 250–500 mg combined EPA and DHA each day for healthy adults ( 2 , 3 , 4 ).