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.
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
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