Omega-3 Science

EPA and DHA

General Overview

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) are two main components in long-chain Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Both are found in OmegaVite BALANCE and OmegaVite SOURCE. EPA and DHA are found in significantly higher amounts in our ethyl ester fish oil - OmegaVite OmegaVite PLUS.

An increased intake of EPA and DHA is generally associated with a lower risk of: primary and secondary heart attack rates, death from cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality (Kris-Etherton, P.M., et al., 2002). There is also significant research outlining the benefits of EPA and, to a larger extent, DHA in the brain and eye's (Holub, B.J., 2001).

EPA is generally associated with heart and cardiovascular benefits. In one study, higher EPA levels in blood serum phospholipids resulted in a 70% lower risk of fatal ischemic heart disease (Lemaitre et al., 2003).

Other evidence reveals that Omega-3 PUFAs, specifically EPA, are beneficial in patients with documented coronary heart diseases, especially those with risk factors for sudden cardiac death (Douglas, N., et al., 2002).

DHA is generally associated with mental and ocular health benefits as well as benefits to the nervous system. Because of its many benefits to the brain and eye's, many experts feel that DHA intake should be increased in expectant and nursing mothers and in infants (Youdin, K.A. et al., 2000).

DHA is essential for the growth and functional development off the brain in infants and is also required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults (Horrocks L.A. and Yeo Y.K., 1999).

DHA is found in very high concentration in the retina and supplementation of DHA may be important to retinal function (Jeffrey B.G., et al, 2001).

Glaucoma patients have less EPA and DHA in their red blood cells than the average person (Ren H., et al., 2006).

EPA supplementation significantly decreased platelet aggregation, platelet and reduced whole blood viscosity (Terano T., et al., 1983).

Canadian Omega-3 PUFAs expert Dr. Bruce Holub contends that DHA is recognized as a physiologically essential nutrient in the brain and retina needed for neuronal functioning and visual acuteness (Holub, B.J., 2001). Even Health Canada has recognized the benefits of DHA, which has led to the addition of regulated restricted amounts of DHA in various foods such as eggs, milk, cheese, bread, etc.

For more information on LC OMEGA-3 PUFAs and specific ailments, illnesses and health benefits, please consult our Scientific Articles section for other articles and findings.