DPA Omega 3 (not dha or epa) Feedback

[whoisbambam]

Does anybody have an opinion regarding the role of dpa and its possible cognitive benefit?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/articles/intelligenceandmemory/omega_three.shtml

http://www.nutritionremarks.com/2012/01/23/omega-3-docosapentaenoic-acid-dpa-what-is-known-3/

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/health-library/products/omegaactiv-super-dpa-fish-oil.html

product:

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-efas-omegaactiv-super-dpa-fish-oil-60-sgels

I already take a couple different fish oils, minami pure EPA and occasionally another with some dha.

I have never heard of this dpa before and would appreciate feedback.

I will go ahead and take one or two a day for 60days.

I seem to be confused about the positives of one over the other, ie epa vs dha, and now dpa

[Pontus Granström]

4 bottles on the way!

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[Yaddy]

EPA is for inflammation in the body and protects against free radicals, which is why athletes take a lot of EPA like 10 grams a day (of a combined EPA/DHA typical supplement which is usually 300mg/200mg EPA/DHA) 

DHA is for the brain 

Understanding the Role that Each Omega-3 Plays

Today, more and more food products claim to be a good source of omega-3's, but not all omega-3's are created equal. There are three major omega-3 fatty acids each with distinct health benefits:

• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

DHA, a long chain omega-3 fatty acid, is the most abundant omega-3 in the brain and retina. It is also an important structural component of heart tissue and naturally found in breastmilk.

• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)

EPA, a long chain omega-3 fatty acid, is important for human health. However, unlike DHA, EPA is not stored in significant levels in the brain and retina and is not considered a significant structural part of the body.

• Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

ALA, an essential fatty acid (EFA), is a shorter-chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a source of energy. It is also a precursor for EPA and DHA and is needed for skin health.

[whoisbambam]

Yaddy,

Thank you.

Yes, it is my understanding that epa has more of an anti-imflammatory/immunosuppressive effect and is possibly cardioprotective, possibly lowering triglycerides.

However, I think epa plays a role in brain function also.

It is my understanding that DHA provides structural support in utero and in the developing brain, and possibly with 'functionality' in the developed, adult brain.

It is my understanding that DPA-3 (not dpa-6) is some sort of intermediary that may be converted to epa and possibly dha, but i am unsure.

All the studies seem to indicate the need for an epa of 60% or greater to DHA in order to provide any cardiovascular/protective effect.

However, I am very interested in this DPA-3 thingee, but the formulation contains much DHA which would sway the ratio with standard supplementation, and therefore I will use one minami purEPA with this DPA formulation in order to maintain the higher epa to dha (edited, typo was dpa, meant dha) ratio while also obtaining that dpa-3

But I am still unclear as to the benefits of DHA and DPA-3 for the adult brain.

IMO 10grams of fish oil is excessive. If one is going to consume that much, I feel medical supervision is warranted; I do know that such high doses may unfavorably affect clotting, ie get in a car accident or some similar mishap and bleeding may be excessive--like bleeding into the brain, perhaps intracerebral where operating may not be feasible (coup-contracoup and associated decelerration trauma etc).