Docosapentaenoic acid

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is structurally similar to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It is found in cold-water oceanic fish oils and in seal blubber. DPA has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving brain health, and supporting heart health.

Sources of Docosapentaenoic acid[edit | edit source]

DPA is found in high amounts in cold-water oceanic fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. It is also found in seal blubber, which is a traditional food source for some Inuit populations. Some types of algae also contain DPA.

Health Benefits[edit | edit source]

DPA has been shown to have a number of health benefits. These include:

  • Reducing inflammation: DPA has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help to prevent a number of chronic diseases.
  • Improving brain health: DPA is important for brain health and function. It is a key component of cell membranes in the brain, and it has been shown to support brain health and cognitive function.
  • Supporting heart health: DPA has been shown to support heart health in a number of ways. It can help to reduce triglyceride levels, increase HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol), and reduce blood pressure.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research on the health benefits of DPA is ongoing. Some studies have suggested that DPA may have anti-cancer properties, and it may also play a role in supporting immune function. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential benefits.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Docosapentaenoic acid Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD