Epa fatty acid
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The Role of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) in Health and Disease
Introduction to EPA Fatty Acid
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid primarily found in marine sources such as fish oils. It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes and has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits.
Global Blood Levels of EPA
A comprehensive global survey has revealed significant variability in blood levels of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) among healthy adults. Regions such as the Sea of Japan and Scandinavia exhibit high levels of EPA+DHA (>8%), while North America, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa show very low levels (≤4%) 1. This disparity may contribute to differing risks for chronic diseases across these regions.
EPA in Cancer Cachexia Treatment
EPA has been investigated for its potential to alleviate symptoms of cancer cachexia, a syndrome characterized by severe weight loss in advanced cancer patients. However, current evidence from randomized controlled trials is insufficient to conclusively determine the effectiveness of EPA in improving nutritional status or quality of life in these patients 2.
Effects on Lipid Profiles
Dietary intake of EPA, along with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and DHA, has been shown to differentially affect LDL fatty acid composition but has similar effects on serum lipid profiles. EPA intake significantly reduces fasting serum triacylglycerol concentrations and enriches LDL with DHA, indicating its beneficial role in lipid metabolism 3.
EPA and Depression
Meta-analyses suggest that EPA is the effective component in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) treatment for major depressive episodes. Supplements containing EPA ≥60% of total EPA+DHA have shown significant benefits in reducing depression scores, whereas those with lower EPA content are ineffective 4.
Cardiovascular Benefits
EPA has demonstrated atheroprotective effects by reducing vascular inflammation, a critical factor in atherosclerosis. Studies indicate that EPA supplementation significantly lowers the expression of inflammatory markers such as CCL2 and VCAM1, providing a rationale for its cardiovascular benefits 5. Additionally, long-term studies associate higher intakes of EPA and DHA with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease 9.
Cognitive Development in Children
Despite the known importance of EPA and DHA for brain development, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found no significant association between maternal supplementation of these fatty acids during pregnancy or breastfeeding and cognitive performance in children. This may be due to small sample sizes and variability in study quality 10.
Conclusion
EPA is a vital omega-3 fatty acid with diverse health benefits, including potential roles in lipid metabolism, depression treatment, and cardiovascular health. However, its effectiveness in certain conditions, such as cancer cachexia and cognitive development in children, remains inconclusive. Further research is needed to fully understand the optimal use and benefits of EPA in various health contexts.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Global survey of the omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in the blood stream of healthy adults.
High EPA+DHA blood levels are found in the Sea of Japan, Scandinavia, and areas with indigenous populations, while very low levels are found in most regions, potentially increasing global risk for chronic disease.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid from fish oils) for the treatment of cancer cachexia.
There is insufficient evidence to establish whether oral EPA is better than placebo in improving symptoms of cancer cachexia in advanced cancer patients.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedDietary alpha-linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA have differential effects on LDL fatty acid composition but similar effects on serum lipid profiles in normolipidemic humans.
Moderate intake of ALA, EPA, and DHA improves lipid profiles in normolipidemic humans, with EPA having the most significant impact on LDL fatty acid composition.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMeta-analysis of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in clinical trials in depression.
EPA 60% of total EPA + DHA supplements show a significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to supplements with EPA 60%, with a dose range of 200 to 2,200 mg/d.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedOmega-3 fatty acids ameliorate vascular inflammation: A rationale for their atheroprotective effects.
EPA supplementation effectively reduces acute and chronic vascular inflammation, providing a rationale for the cardiovascular benefits observed with high dose omega-3 fatty acid administration.
RCTOmega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: health benefits throughout life.
Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential for proper fetal development, cardiovascular function, and mild Alzheimer's disease prevention, weight management, and cognitive function.
Highly CitedOmega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA: Bridging the Gap between Supply and Demand
New sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as algae and fungi, can help bridge the current supply and demand gap, enabling healthier, balanced diets for human consumers.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Citedn-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular events after myocardial infarction.
Low-dose supplementation with EPA-DHA or ALA did not significantly reduce the rate of major cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction and receiving standard therapy.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedMarine Omega-3 (N-3) Fatty Acids for Cardiovascular Health: An Update for 2020
Higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, from fish and fatty fish is associated with lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedImpact of omega-3 fatty acid DHA and EPA supplementation in pregnant or breast-feeding women on cognitive performance of children: systematic review and meta-analysis.
DHA and EPA supplementation in pregnant and breastfeeding women showed no significant association with cognitive performance or birth weight.
Meta-Analysis