tuneTypical Dose
500-2,000
Fatty Acid
EPA
Eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3)
Evidence TierAWADA NOT PROHIBITED
watchEffect Window
4-8 weeks for mood. 12 weeks for lipid panels.
check_circleCompliance
WADA NOT PROHIBITED
Overview
Clinical Summary
EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory actions and triglyceride lowering effects. It is used for cardiometabolic risk marker improvement and, in some cases, mood symptom support.
EPA reliably lowers triglycerides and can reduce inflammation-related biomarkers. Some evidence suggests EPA-predominant formulations may improve depressive symptoms in certain groups, with mixed results across trials. Minority evidence supports cardiovascular event reduction with specific high-dose purified EPA in high-risk patients. Effects vary with dose, baseline risk, and EPA to DHA balance.
Competes with arachidonic acid for COX/LOX enzymes, shifting eicosanoid production toward anti-inflammatory mediators. Modulates membrane fluidity and reduces neuroinflammation.
Outcomes
What This Is Expected To Influence
Primary Outcomes
- Reduce triglycerides
- Reduce symptoms of depression
Secondary Outcomes
- Reduce joint pain/stiffness in RA
- Reduce cardiovascular event risk
Safety
Contraindications and Interactions
Contraindications
- Fish/shellfish allergy
- Bleeding disorders
Side effects
- Fishy burps
- GI upset
- Fishy body odor
Interactions
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin)
- Antihypertensives (additive BP lowering)
Avoid if
- Fish/shellfish allergy
- Bleeding disorders
- Scheduled surgery
Evidence
Study-level References
epa-SRC-001Meta-analysis of RCTs
Sourceopen_in_newSublette ME, et al. "Meta-analysis of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in clinical trials in depression." J Clin Psychiatry. 2011.
Population: Adults with diagnosed depression
Dose protocol: Source-listed
Key findings: Supplements containing ≥ 60% EPA showed a significant clinical benefit in treating depression, whereas formulas with a lower proportion of EPA (or pure DHA) did not.
Paper content
Supplements containing ≥ 60% EPA showed a significant clinical benefit in treating depression, whereas formulas with a lower proportion of EPA (or pure DHA) did not.