DPA Fatty Acid Food Sources, Health Benefits & Research

DPA is a fatty acid that may have health benefits similar to those of other omega-3 fatty acids.

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) form the three primary omega-3 fats used in the human body.

Research shows a number of benefits from consuming omega-3 fatty acids, either by increasing dietary intake or by using fish or krill oil supplements. Omega-3’s are of particular interest for their apparent anticancer, neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects.

In the US alone, more than $3 billion is spent annually on omega-3 supplements. Most of this is spent on supplements that contain EPA and DHA, but more and more research is identifying the specific benefits of DPA fatty acids.

Docosahexaenoic Acid

Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Brain Health

Heart Health

Pre-Natal

How It Works:

• Supports cardiovascular & brain health
• Improves mood, focus & nerve transmission
• Anti-inflammatory & immune boosting effects

Dosage:

225 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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DPA Fatty Acid Structure

DPA omega-3s are structurally similar to EPA and DHA. The difference is that DPA contains 2 additional carbon chain units. DPA fats are polyunsaturated fatty acids with double bonds on their third carbon atoms.

The best food sources of EPA, DHA and DPA are be marine organisms, especially oily fish and krill.

Another omega-3 fat called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is plant-based and found in foods including flax seeds, hemp, chia, canola oil, tofu and walnuts.

Most health benefits of omega-3s are associated with EPA and DHA currently. ALA and DPA have not received as much research attention, but they are starting to be investigated more.

ALA is able to be converted to EPA, DHA and DPA. However, this occurs at very low ratios. ALA supplementation is not recommended as an efficient way to increase other omega-3 fats in the body.

ALA fats are healthy, but animal-sourced omega-3s are generally believed to be superior in terms of associated therapeutic potentials.

DPA Fatty Acid Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids play a number of important roles in the body and have an anti-inflammatory effect. It is important to include good sources of omega-3’s in the diet to balance the high levels of omega-6 fatty acids that people in the Western world tend consume.

Research suggests that a 1:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats is best for health. However, many Americans consume a ratio of up to 1:15 omega-3’s to omega-6’s, which can result in a pro-inflammatory effect on the body.

Low levels of DHA and EPA have been shown to increase the risks of mortality from all causes. Some of the key benefits associated with omega-3 fats include reducing the risks for developing:

• Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease;
• Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus;
• Mental disorders like depression and bipolar disorder;
• Coronary artery disease, heart disease and stroke;
• Poor retinal/brain development in infancy;
• Attention deficit disorders like ADHD;
• Breast, colorectal and prostate cancer;
• Crohn’s disease;
• Osteoporosis;

Research indicates that many people, especially women, fail to take in enough omega-3 fats. Deficiencies can result in very serious physical and/or mental conditions.

DPA Essential Fatty Acids for Cancer

Numerous clinical trials have explored the apparent anticancer benefits of omega-3 fats. Much research has been conducted on colon, prostate and breast cancer.

Research on mice has shown that omega-3s reduce the growth of prostate tumors, slow down cancer progression and increase survival rates.

DPA fatty acids may also help to improve appetite, increase body weight, maintain muscle mass and improve life quality in cancer patients.

When compared to EPA and DHA, DPA demonstrated the most potent antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects against colon cancer.

DPA Fatty Acid for Cardiovascular Disease

DPA fatty acids continue to be explored for their effects on heart disease, particularly in the case of myocardial infarction.

Taking 1 gram of omega-3 fats for at least 3 months significantly reduces chances for cardiovascular death, sudden cardiac death and the overall occurrence of death.

Administration of omega-3 fatty acids is also associated with significant antihypertensive effects. Routine usage seems to lower systolic blood pressure between 3.5 – 5.5 mmHg.

Research shows that DPA fatty acids can also reduce triglycerides and LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol). In in vitro studies, DPA fatty acids have improved lipid metabolism; decreasing serum triglyceride levels by as much as 50%.

Docosapentaenoic acid also seems to reduce the expression of genes which modulate inflammation in circulatory vessels. This is believed to reduce formations of arterial plaque which is known to cause atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

DPA fatty acids are also being explored for other therapeutic uses. Research continues to study apparent benefits to immunity, psychiatric/cognitive/neurological functioning, diabetes, dermatological disorders, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), macular degeneration, menstrual pain and asthma.

Best Foods for DPA Fatty Acids

According to the USDA, the best sources for DPA fatty acids are menhaden herring oil, salmon oil, smoked salmon with skins on, raw Atlantic salmon, grass-fed beef, grass-fed beef brains, seal meat and human breast milk.

Supplements can also be used, but there are currently no commercially available dietary supplements with Docosapentaenoic acid as an ingredient.

Instead, you can get more DPA in your diet by using a fish or krill oil supplement with EPA fatty acids. EPA is converted into DPA, before finally being converted into DHA.

Conclusions

Cell culture and mammal research on DPA fatty acids has demonstrated antiplatelet, anticoagulative, lipid-balancing, anti-inflammatory and cell migratory effects.

In vitro and in vivo studies have also shown improvements in neuronal health. Human supplementation trials are warranted to better understand the therapeutic effects of these important and healthy fats.

Do not use omega-3 fatty acid supplements without a doctor’s permission if you use any of the following types of medications:

• Blood glucose lowering medications like insulin, Micronase, Diabeta and Metformin;
• NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Aleve, Motrin and Advil;
• Cholesterol lowering medications like Lipitor, Zocor and Mevacor;
• Blood thinners like Plavix (clopidogrel), warfarin and aspirin;
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune);

DPA fatty acids may interact with the above medication types, possibly intensifying – or weakening – their intended effects and/or possible side effects.

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