Benefits
Brain and cognition
DHA is a key structural fat in the brain and retina, and DHA and EPA intake is studied for supporting cognition and neural development.
Cardiovascular health
EPA and DHA support healthy triglyceride levels and blood-vessel function, the best-established omega-3 benefit.
Omega-3 status
Supplementation reliably raises plasma and membrane omega-3 levels, a marker of long-term omega-3 sufficiency.
Mechanism of action
Membrane incorporation
DHA and EPA are built into cell membranes, supporting their function and serving as precursors to less-inflammatory mediators.
Resolution of inflammation
Omega-3s give rise to specialized pro-resolving mediators that help switch off inflammation.
Clinical trials
Intervention study of DHA and EPA on plasma fatty-acid and related measures. (de la Torre-Aguilar et al. 2022, Frontiers in Nutrition)
Participants supplemented with omega-3.
DHA and EPA supplementation modified plasma fatty-acid profiles, confirming improved omega-3 status.