Fatty Acid

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

Also known as: eicosapentaenoic acid, icosapent, EPA omega-3, EPA

Evidence

EPA is a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with strong evidence supporting cardiovascular and inflammatory benefits. It is commonly used for heart health, triglyceride reduction, and cognitive support.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.

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The highest-scored EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) product in our catalog (92/100). Track dose and overlaps in the app.

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Every EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) product we have scored

#	Product	Score	Per serving
1	Thorne Omega Superb	92 A	$0.63
2	Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10	92 A	$0.61
3	Thorne Super EPA	92 A	$0.23
4	Thorne Super EPA Pro	92 A	$0.33
5	Nootropics Depot Omega-3 Fish Oil Triple Strength Softgels	91 A	$0.42
6	Thorne Prenatal DHA	89 A	$1.00
7	Nootropics Depot AvailOM DHA Algae Capsules	88 A	$0.75
8	Nootropics Depot AvailOm DHA Algae Powder	87 A	$0.27
9	Thorne Advanced DHA	87 A	$1.00
10	Complement Essential	86 A-	$1.48
11	Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA Vegetarian	86 A-	$1.38
12	Thorne Pro-Resolving Mediators	85 A-	$0.42

Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.

Common questions

How much EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) should I take?

The typical range is 500–2,000 mg daily for general health; 2,000–4,000 mg daily for cardiovascular support. benefits typically appear after 4–12 weeks of consistent supplementation; long-term use is safe

When should I take EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)?

with meals to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects. with food containing dietary fat for optimal bioavailability.

Which form of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) is best?

High-EPA fish oil — Depression focus. Other forms in the catalog: EPA-only, fish oil concentrate, algae-derived, ethyl ester, triglyceride form, prescription (Vascepa).

Is EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) safe?

Commonly reported: fishy aftertaste, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, loose stools, mild bruising (rare).

Which EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) supplement scores highest?

Thorne Omega Superb, at 92/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.

Daily target & upper limit

500 mg / day

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) dosage reference →

Primary uses

Mood
Depression
Inflammation
Brain health
cardiovascular health
triglyceride reduction
cognitive function

How it works

reduces triglyceride synthesis in the liver
decreases platelet aggregation and blood clotting
modulates inflammatory eicosanoid production
supports neuronal cell membrane integrity and synaptic function

Dosage

Typical range: 500–2,000 mg daily for general health; 2,000–4,000 mg daily for cardiovascular support
Timing: with meals to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects
With food: with food containing dietary fat for optimal bioavailability
Duration: benefits typically appear after 4–12 weeks of consistent supplementation; long-term use is safe
Special populations: higher doses (2,000+ mg daily) should be discussed with healthcare provider; pregnant/nursing women may benefit from EPA but should confirm dosing with provider

Forms

High-EPA fish oil
EPA-only
fish oil concentrate· 70/100
algae-derived· 70/100
ethyl ester· 70/100
triglyceride form· 70/100
prescription (Vascepa)· 70/100

Safety

Common side effects

fishy aftertaste
gastrointestinal upset
nausea
loose stools
mild bruising (rare)

Contraindications

bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulants (warfarin, dabigatran) at very high doses
fish or seafood allergy (fish oil forms)
upcoming surgery (may increase bleeding risk at very high doses)

Products containing EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.

Thorne

Thorne

Thorne

Thorne

Evidence notes

Multiple large-scale RCTs (including REDUCE-IT) demonstrate efficacy for triglyceride reduction and cardiovascular outcomes. Consistent evidence for anti-inflammatory effects and cognitive benefits from systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.

Cited research for EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention epa (eicosapentaenoic acid). Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) compared head-to-head

Omega-3 Components
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) vs DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

Related in Fatty Acid

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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.