General Description
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 oil found primarily in
cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, cod,
tuna, and anchovies. The oil belongs to a class of nutrients known
as essential fatty acids, which are fats that are required by the
body for normal biological functions but cannot be manufactured
by the body, and therefore must be provided by the diet. While isolated
EPA is available as an individual supplement, the oil is most commonly
found in the form of fish oil, which contains high concentrations
of EPA and another omega-3 essential fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid). Cod liver oil is also a rich source of EPA and DHA, along
with the fat-soluble vitamins A and D.
Health Applications
- Cardiovascular health
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Lupus
- Crohn's disease
Cardiovascular Health
Much of the research conducted on EPA has focused on its potential
to promote cardiovascular health. A number of studies indicate
that fish oil supplements containing EPA and DHA can help reduce
blood pressure in patients with hypertension.1-5
Research also indicates that EPA can have a favorable influence
on blood lipid levels. In numerous studies, fish oil supplements
were shown to reduce serum triglycerides and increase levels of
HDL (the "good cholesterol").6-10 In one study
conducted on 14 subjects with high cholesterol levels, isolated
EPA (without DHA) reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol,
and triglyceride levels.11
Inflammation
Because essential fatty acids are known to play important roles
in inflammatory processes, researchers have been investigating
their potential in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune
disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and
Crohn's disease. A number of studies indicate that fish oil supplementation
may produce significant improvement in clinical symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis,12-18 reducing the need for pain-relieving
medication in many cases.17,18 Studies indicate
that fish oil supplements may provide moderate improvement in
psoriasis symptoms,19-21 and that EPA combined
with a conventional psoriasis medication was more effective than
the medication alone.22 Preliminary research
suggests that EPA may also prove useful in moderating the inflammatory
response in lupus 23-25 and Crohn's disease.26-29
Dosage/Toxicity
Dosage recommendations for EPA vary with intended application.
Studies on lupus patients have used as much as 20 grams of fish
oil per day with no signs of toxicity.23 Side
effects such as belching, "fishy" breath, and diarrhea have been
reported with high doses of fish oil; however, these effects can
be reduced by the use of time-release formulations.27
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