DPA - The Missing Omega-3 for Health and Wellness
Much of the research and attention on fish oils has focused on the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but a burgeoning body of new science is now indicating that the third most prevalent very long-chain omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), is also critical to human health and possesses some unique benefits. So, why has DPA been missing? The simple answer is that popular manufacturing processes (e.g., molecular distillation, super critical fluid extraction, column separation, etc.) concentrate EPA and DHA, but at the expense of DPA. Newer manufacturing techniques now make it possible to insure consistent adequate levels of DPA.
What are the benefits of DPA?
• Promotes better mental health and cognitive function, slowing cognitive decline as we age and reducing the risk for mental health and mood disorders.
• DPA in human blood are associated with lower blood triglycerides, cholesterol, inflammation and overall risk of coronary heart diseases.
• Helps improve metabolism by activating enzymes and genes with the overall effect being to promote the burning of fat and turning down excessive inflammation. The overall effect may help promote improved body fat composition and weight loss.
• Higher blood levels of DPA during pregnancy is associated with a lowered risk for postpartum depression.
• DPA produces its own anti-inflammatory molecules known as “resolvins” that resolve inflammation and “protectins” that protect against inflammation from ever starting.
• DPA may be more effective than either EPA or DHA in reducing C-reactive protein and other markers of inflammation.
• More effective than EPA or DHA in inhibiting platelet aggregation, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis.
• DPA enhances EPA’s ability to repair damaged blood vessels.
• Research indicates that DPA enhances DHA’s ability to promote cognitive development from conception through the critical first two years of life (DHA is the structural omega-3 fat of the brain).
• DPA supports optimal eye health.
So, how much DPA is required for daily supplementation? First, the DPA intake in Western countries is a woeful 10 to 40 mg as compared to approximately two to four times as much EPA and DHA, respectively, which is also low. This is based upon the general recommendation for EPA and DHA and calculating what should be the corresponding amount. For example, many health authorities recommend 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA daily. That amount wouldcorrespond to approximately 100 mg of DPA daily.
Michael T. Murray, ND, is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine. A graduate, former faculty member, and serves on the Board of Regents of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, as well as the Chief Science Officer for Ezymedica. Aqua Biome by Enzymedica is the world’s first DPA omega-3 blend designed for a healthy microbiome, and every purchase supports restoration of the Great Florida Reef. For more information, visit DoctorMurray.com or Enzymedica.com.






