About Omega 3: EPA+DPA+DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential fats with potent anti-inflammatory properties. They are crucial for brain function, cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation in the body. These long-chain polyunsaturated fats are primarily found in fish oils and some marine organisms. They play a significant role in cellular membrane fluidity and signaling pathways.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
8.0 - 14.0 percent of total fatty acids
Elite Value
14.0 percent of total fatty acids
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate an imbalance that could contribute to increased bleeding risk or immune dysfunction.
Low
Low levels may be associated with heightened inflammation, cardiovascular issues, and impacts on cognitive functions.
Symptoms
High
May include bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Low
Can include fatigue, poor concentration, dry skin, and joint pain.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Bhatt, D. L., Steg, P. G., Miller, M., Brinton, E. A., Jacobson, T. A., Ketchum, S. B., Doyle, R. T., Juliano, R. A., Jiao, L., Granowitz, C., Tardif, J. C., & Ballantyne, C. M. (2019). Cardiovascular Risk Reduction with Icosapent Ethyl for Hypertriglyceridemia. *New England Journal of Medicine*, 380(1), 11-22.
- Manson, J. E., Cook, N. R., Lee, I. M., Christen, W., Bassuk, S. S., Mora, S., Gibson, H., Albert, C. M., Gordon, D., Copeland, T., D'Agostino, D., Friedenberg, G., Ridge, C., Bubes, V., Giovannucci, E. L., Willett, W. C., & Buring, J. E. (2019). Marine n−3 Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer. *New England Journal of Medicine*, 380(1), 23-32.
- Nicholls, S. J., Lincoff, A. M., Garcia, M., Bash, D., Ballantyne, C. M., Barter, P. J., Davidson, M. H., Kastelein, J. J. P., Koenig, W., McGuire, D. K., Mozaffarian, D., Ridker, P. M., Ray, K. K., Stroes, E. S., Lopez, J. A. G., & Wolski, K. (2020). Effect of High-Dose Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs Corn Oil on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk: The STRENGTH Randomized Clinical Trial. *JAMA*, 324(22), 2268-2280.
- American Heart Association. (2019). Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association. *Circulation*, 140(12), e673-e691.
- Abdelhamid, A. S., Brown, T. J., Brainard, J. S., Biswas, P., Thorpe, G. C., Moore, H. J., Deane, K. H. O., AlAbdulghafoor, F. K., Summerbell, C. D., Worthington, H. V., Song, F., & Hooper, L. (2020). Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews*, 3, CD003177.