Fatty Acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Also known as: EPA, 20:5n-3, icosapentaenoic acid
EPA is a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with potent anti-inflammatory and mood-supporting properties. It plays a key role in cardiovascular health, mental health, and immune regulation.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 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 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) should I take?
The typical range is 250–2,000 mg daily. Benefits for mood typically emerge within 4–8 weeks; cardiovascular benefits may take 8–12 weeks; safe for long-term use
When should I take Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)?
With meals (fat-soluble; better absorption with food). Recommended with a meal containing dietary fat.
Which form of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) is best?
Triglyceride. Other forms in the catalog: Ethyl ester, Phospholipid (krill oil), Algae-derived.
Is Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) safe?
Commonly reported: Fishy aftertaste (fish-oil sources), Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, loose stools), Burping or reflux, Rare allergic reactions (seafood-allergic individuals).
Which Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 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 / dayEicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) dosage reference →Primary uses
- Mood and mental health support (depression, anxiety)
- Cardiovascular health and inflammation reduction
- Joint health and inflammatory conditions
- Immune function support
- Skin health (acne, dermatitis)
How it works
- Inhibits pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP)
- Modulates serotonin and dopamine pathways
- Supports endothelial function and vascular health
- Reduces platelet aggregation and blood viscosity
- Promotes resolution of inflammation via specialized mediators (resolvins, protectins)
Dosage
- Typical range
- 250–2,000 mg daily
- Timing
- With meals (fat-soluble; better absorption with food)
- With food
- Recommended with a meal containing dietary fat
- Duration
- Benefits for mood typically emerge within 4–8 weeks; cardiovascular benefits may take 8–12 weeks; safe for long-term use
- Special populations
- Depression support: 1,000–2,000 mg/day effective in trials; cardiovascular patients: doses up to 4,000 mg/day studied; pregnancy: standard dose recommended for maternal omega-3 status
Forms
- Triglyceride· 70/100
- Ethyl ester· 70/100
- Phospholipid (krill oil)· 70/100
- Algae-derived· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Fishy aftertaste (fish-oil sources)
- Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, loose stools)
- Burping or reflux
- Rare allergic reactions (seafood-allergic individuals)
Contraindications
- Bleeding disorders or concurrent anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy (high doses may increase bleeding risk)
- Seafood/fish allergy (algae-derived EPA is safe alternative)
Products containing Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Strong RCT evidence for mood support (numerous trials for depression); consistent evidence for cardiovascular markers (triglycerides, inflammation). FDA-approved Vascepa (high-dose EPA) for hypertriglyceridemia in prescription setting demonstrates clinical efficacy.
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Cited research for Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention eicosapentaenoic acid (epa). Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Nicholls et al. (2020)JAMA
Effect of High-Dose Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs Corn Oil on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (STRENGTH)
- Skulas-Ray et al. (2019)Circulation
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association
- Bhatt DL, Steg PG, Miller M, et al. (2019)New England Journal of Medicine
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction with Icosapent Ethyl for Hypertriglyceridemia (REDUCE-IT)
- Liao et al. (2019)Translational Psychiatry
Efficacy of omega-3 PUFAs in depression: a meta-analysis
- Mori (2014)Fitoterapia
Omega-3 fatty acids and hypertension in humans
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.