EPA & DHA (Omega-3 Long-Chain PUFAs · Marine & Algal Fatty Acids)
| CAS No. | 10417-94-4 (EPA) · 6217-54-5 (DHA) |
| Class | Lipid · Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid · Long-Chain Omega-3 · C20:5n-3 (EPA) · C22:6n-3 (DHA) |
| Source | Schizochytrium spp. and Nannochloropsis spp. (microalgae) — the primary omega-3 producers at the base of the marine food chain |
| Claim strength | High |
| Buy from Herbuno | DHA 10% Powder — Algal Source → |
The omega-3 fatty acid story begins not with fish but with algae — the microalgae at the base of marine food chains that synthesise EPA and DHA from scratch. Indigenous Arctic and coastal fishing populations including Inuit, Greenlandic, Japanese, and Norwegian coastal communities have consumed diets extremely high in marine-source omega-3 fatty acids for millennia, characterised by low rates of cardiovascular disease. EPA (C20:5n-3) is primarily anti-inflammatory — the precursor to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and resolvins. DHA (C22:6n-3) is primarily structural — constituting 30–40% of fatty acids in the brain and retina.
EPA & DHA for Cardiovascular, Neurological & Visual Health — Evidence
Cardiovascular — triglyceride reduction (FDA-approved): The FDA has approved omega-3 fatty acid prescription products for treatment of severe hypertriglyceridaemia. Multiple RCTs confirm that EPA+DHA at 2–4g per day reduces serum triglycerides by 20–50%. The REDUCE-IT trial (2018) demonstrated that high-dose EPA at 4g per day reduced major cardiovascular events by 25% in statin-treated patients. Claim strength: High.
Brain development and cognitive function: DHA constitutes approximately 30–40% of the fatty acid content of the cerebral cortex and is required for normal neuronal membrane structure. DHA is conditionally essential during pregnancy and early childhood for normal brain and visual development. Claim strength: High (development); Moderate (adult cognitive).
Vision — retinal DHA: DHA constitutes 30–40% of the fatty acid content of rod outer segments in the retina and is required for normal visual transduction. Claim strength: High.
Inflammation: EPA is the precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE3) and resolvins. Multiple RCTs document reductions in inflammatory markers and symptomatic improvements in rheumatoid arthritis. Claim strength: High.
EPA & DHA Dosage, Source Selection & Formulator Specification
Clinically referenced dose: 250–500mg combined EPA+DHA per day for general cardiovascular health maintenance (WHO/EFSA recommendation). 1–2g per day for triglyceride management. DHA at 200mg per day is the standard for infant formula enrichment.
Algal DHA vs fish oil: Fish oil is not appropriate for vegan or vegetarian formulations. Algal DHA from Schizochytrium provides DHA without fish — and is the original biological source from which fish accumulate omega-3s. Confirm EPA:DHA ratio on the CoA.
Oxidative stability: Long-chain PUFAs are highly susceptible to lipid oxidation. Confirm TOTOX value on the CoA — TOTOX should be below 26 for high-quality omega-3 ingredients.
Pairs with: Lutein and zeaxanthin (retinal structure + macular pigment), Vitamin D (cardiovascular and immune synergy), astaxanthin (omega-3 oxidative stability and antioxidant combination).
Frequently Asked Questions — EPA & DHA
Can algal DHA replace fish oil completely?
For DHA content, yes — algal DHA provides equivalent DHA to fish oil and is the original biological source. For EPA content, most algal sources provide predominantly DHA with lower EPA. For formulations requiring high EPA alongside DHA, either fish oil or EPA-producing algae (Nannochloropsis) are required.
What is the difference between omega-3 from flaxseed (ALA) and from algae (DHA)?
Flaxseed provides ALA (C18:3n-3) — the short-chain plant omega-3. ALA converts to EPA at less than 10% and to DHA at less than 1%. Algal DHA provides the long-chain omega-3 directly, bypassing the inefficient conversion step.
How do I assess omega-3 ingredient quality?
The primary quality indicator is the TOTOX value (2×peroxide value + anisidine value) — should be below 26 per GOED standards. Also confirm: EPA+DHA percentage by GC analysis, heavy metal testing, and sensory freshness evaluation.
What is the cardiovascular dose for triglyceride reduction?
1–2g per day of EPA+DHA achieves modest triglyceride reductions of 10–20%. 2–4g per day achieves 20–50% reductions. For supplement formulations targeting triglyceride support, 1–2g per day combined EPA+DHA is the appropriate reference dose range.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human studies; Moderate = a few trials; Emerging = early lab data.
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