The health benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fatty acids are among the most documented in nutrition research. However, a third key fatty acid, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)—an intermediary between EPA and DHA, has been shown to play a powerful role in key health outcomes. DPA, an elongated version of EPA, has drawn the attention of scientists because it is present in relatively high levels in the diet of Greenland Inuits, a population with exceptionally low incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Generally, Americans do not consume Inuit dietary staples—whale and seal meat and blubber. However, USDA National Nutrient Database indicates DPA is present in marine oils, with menhaden oil documented as the richest fish oil source of the compound. In the last three decades, scientific studies focused on oils that contained mixtures of fatty acids, or on purified EPA and DHA, while the amount of research focused on DPA was limited. Nevertheless, a careful review of the published literature indicates inadequate dietary intake and low circulating blood levels of DPA may serve as a predictor and indicator of a broad range of diseases.
Among the many health conditions DPA addresses, heart health has received considerable scientific attention. A recent Harvard study, which involved more than 30,000 participants, showed higher plasma concentrations of DPA were associated with lower risk of heart attack. Similarly, another study showed people with evidence of CVD had lower levels of EPA, DHA and DPA as compared to healthy control subjects. Most importantly, the largest difference in fatty acid profiles was attributed to DPA, and only DPA showed an independent negative association with the disease after the adjustment for smoking habits.
Indeed, DPA has a good potential as a therapeutic compound. A large epidemiological trial showed dietary intake of DPA was significantly and inversely related to hardening of the arteries in Japanese adults. A separate study showed oral supplementation with purified DPA increased tissue concentrations of DPA, DHA and EPA in rats, while decreasing levels of arachidonic acid—a pro-inflammatory fat—and restoring a healthy, critical balance of omega-3s to omega-6s.
Numerous studies indicate insufficient levels of DPA in diets and blood circulation may serve as a predictor and indicator of a broad range of health conditions. In addition, existing evidence points to DPA as a distinct and powerful nutritional and therapeutic supplement.
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