Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

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Comprehensive information on EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of EPA.

Overview

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of several omega-3 fatty acids used by the body. The typical Western diet is relatively deficient in omega-3 fatty acids compared to the diets of our ancestors. Our main dietary sources of EPA are cold water fish such as wild salmon. Fish oil supplements may also raise the concentrations of EPA in the body. Increased intake of EPA has been shown to be beneficial in coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Uses

Autoimmune Diseases
The omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, found in fish oils have been shown to modify the immune response and may be helpful in treating inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Cardiovascular Health
Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health and may prevent the accumulation of plaque (cholesterol and fat) on the walls of the arteries. Fish oil supplementation may also reduce high blood pressure in people with diabetes.

Growth and Development
The omega-3 fatty acids in proper balance are essential for normal growth and development. Nutrition experts have issued recommendations for appropriate intake of each type of omega-3 fatty acid in infant formulas and diets. According to these recommendations, intake of EPA for infants on formula diets should be less than 0.1%.

Other Conditions - EPA for Anorexia EPA for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, may also have positive effects on lung and kidney diseases, Type II diabetes, obesity, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, anorexia nervosa, burns, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and early stages of colorectal cancer.

Dietary Sources of EPA

EPA can be obtained by eating cold water fish such as wild salmon (not farm raised), mackerel, sardines, and herring.

Available Forms

EPA is also available in fish oil supplements. Some commercial products may also contain vitamin E to maintain freshness.

How to Take EPA

Recommendations for adequate intakes put forth by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) appear below.

Pediatric

EPA is naturally found in breast milk; therefore, infants that are breastfed should receive sufficient amounts of EPA.
ISSFAL recommends that formula for infants contain less than 0.1% EPA.

Adult

The adequate daily intake of EPA for adults should be at least 220 mg/day.
Therapeutic recommendations from diet: 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week, which corresponds to 1,250 mg EPA plus DHA per day.
Fish oil supplements: 3,000 to 4,000 mg standardized fish oils per day. This amount corresponds to 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week.

Some commercial products may also contain vitamin E to maintain freshness. For supplements, follow the directions on product labels for both dosage information and storage requirements; some products may require refrigeration. Do not use products beyond their expiration date.