What is EPA and DHA
EPA and DHA are Essential Long
Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
The two key fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are
essential fatty acids, essential meaning they can't be
produced by the body in sufficient quantities and, therefore, must be supplied
through our diet.
These are highly deficient in most people’s
diet and are absolutely critical to your health. These EFAs are
found naturally in wild-caught cold-water fish. Most of us
simply do not eat enough to enjoy the benefits Omega-3s provide,
and there’s a growing concern about environmental toxins such as
PCBs, Mercury and other heavy metals frequently found in fish.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) is a long-chain
omega-3 fatty acid that inhibits
the formation of arachidonic acid (AA). Eicosapentaenoic
acid (more commonly known as EPA; C20H30O2, all-cis-fatty
acid 20:5 ω-3, trival name timnodonic acid) is a
polyunsaturated fatty acid that acts as a precursor for
prostaglandin-3, which inhibits platelet aggregation)
and thromboxane-3 groups. It is found in fish oils of
cod liver, herring, mackerel, salmon, menhaden and
sardine. It is also found in human breast milk.
Research shows that EPA is more important
than DHA for brain function and for combating inflammation and
improving blood flow. High-EPA fish oils are now becoming very
popular. EPA is important for: your HEART health, helps with
inflammation and supports your joints. Studies indicate that
Omega-3s and especially EPA, can be beneficial in many
autoimmune disorders, including arthritis, asthma, inflammatory
bowel disease, lupus and psoriasis.
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) a long-chain omega-3
fatty acid is critical for
brain function. Docosahexaenoic acid (commonly known as
DHA; 22:6 omega-3, all-cis-docosa 4,7,10,13,16,19
hexaenoic acid, trivial name clupanodonic acid) is an
omega-3 essential fatty acid. It is most often found in
fish oil. Most of the DHA in fish and other more complex
organisms originates in microalgae of the genus
Schizochytrium, and concentrates in organisms as it
moves up the food chain. Most animals make very little
DHA metabolically, however small amounts are
manufactured internally through the consumption of α-linolenic
acid, an omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed as well as
many other seeds and nuts.
DHA is a major fatty acid in sperm and brain
phospholipids, especially in the retina. Dietary DHA can
reduce the level of blood triglycerides in humans, which
may reduce the risk of heart disease. Low levels of DHA
have been associated with ADHD, Alzheimer's disease, and
depression, among other diseases, and there is mounting
evidence that DHA supplementation may be effective in
combating such diseases*.
Previous studies have suggested that DHA, or
docosahexanoic acid, may reduce the risk of coronary heart
disease by reducing levels of triglycerides in the blood,
raising the number of HDL molecules (the "good" cholesterol),
preventing irregular heart beats called arrhythmias and possibly
lowering blood pressure, all indicators of good heart health.
DHA is an essential component of our eyes,
brains and heart muscles. It is predominatly produced by marine
algae and is abundant in fish because they feed on algae. This
essential fatty acid is necessary for the normal development of
the visual and nervous systems in infants. Consequently, the
World Health Organization recommends supplementing baby formulas
with DHA, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently
approved its use in formulas.
Together with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), DHA constitues a group of fatty
acids called omega-3 fatty acids. Scientists believe these
polyunsaturated fats are important in preventing a number of
diseases, including heart disease; inflammatory diseases, such
as rheumatoid arthritis; mental disorders, such as bipolar
disorder and attention deficit disorder, and certain types of
cancer.
The main dietary source of DHA and EPA is
fish, especially oily fish like salmon and anchovies. Major
dietary sources of LNA, a building block of DHA and EPA, include
flaxseed oil, canola oil, walnuts and dark greens. Americans,
however, continue to shift their diet away from these foods.
Instead, they are consuming more and more omega-6 fatty acids,
which are found in vegetable oils. This increase in the ratio of
omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, according to some
studies, may play a major role in heart disease risk
The richest natural source of EPA and DHA are fish oils,
but their concentrations
are relatively low, requiring you to eat prodigious
amounts of fish to gain the
levels of EPA and DHA necessary to reduce silent
inflammation. Due to
contamination, eating fish can give rise to increased
intake of known carcinogens or
neurotoxins.
To get the benefit of EPA and DHA without the contaminants
use ultra refined and ultra pure
Pharmaceutical Grade
fish oil
* These statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended
to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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