Fish oil with epa
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Fish Oil with EPA: Health Benefits and Impacts
Introduction to Fish Oil and EPA
Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been extensively studied for its health benefits. EPA, in particular, has been highlighted for its unique physiological effects, which differ from those of DHA. This article synthesizes recent research on the health impacts of fish oil enriched with EPA.
Cardiovascular Health and Mortality Reduction
Fish oil supplementation has been associated with significant cardiovascular benefits. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that fish oil, containing both EPA and DHA, significantly reduced deaths from cardiac causes, although it did not affect all-cause mortality or arrhythmias 3. This suggests that while fish oil can be beneficial for heart health, its effects on overall mortality are less clear.
Metabolic and Inflammatory Benefits
EPA-enriched fish oil has shown promising results in reversing metabolic syndrome and adipocyte dysfunction induced by high-fat diets. In a study on mice, fish oil with a higher EPA content effectively reversed obesity-related changes, including insulin resistance and adipocyte hypertrophy, which were not reversed by DHA-rich fish oil 4. This indicates that EPA may have specific benefits in managing metabolic health and inflammation.
Immune Function and Inflammation
In breast cancer patients, supplementation with EPA and DHA-enriched fish oil maintained levels of CD4+ T cells and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), suggesting a beneficial effect on the immune system and a less active inflammatory response 1. Additionally, EPA and DHA have been shown to inhibit various aspects of inflammation, including leukocyte chemotaxis and the production of inflammatory cytokines 9.
Lipid Profile and Hyperlipidemia
Fish oil is well-documented for its ability to reduce triglyceride levels. A meta-analysis of studies on hyperlipidemic subjects found that fish oil supplementation led to a significant reduction in fasting blood triglycerides, although it had minimal effects on total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol levels 6. This triglyceride-lowering effect is beneficial for individuals with elevated lipid levels.
Age-Related Responses and Oxylipin Levels
The effects of fish oil on blood fatty acid composition and oxylipin levels can vary with age. A study comparing young and older men found that both groups experienced a reduction in blood triglycerides with fish oil supplementation. However, younger men showed a more significant increase in DHA levels in serum and red blood cells compared to older men, indicating age-related differences in response to fish oil 5.
Alternative Sources of EPA and DHA
With concerns about the sustainability of marine fish stocks, alternative sources of EPA and DHA, such as transgenic Camelina sativa seed oil, have been explored. Studies have shown that this seed oil can increase EPA and DHA concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes as effectively as traditional fish oil, providing a viable alternative for obtaining these essential fatty acids 8.
Conclusion
Fish oil enriched with EPA offers numerous health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome, and inflammation. While both EPA and DHA contribute to these effects, EPA appears to have distinct advantages in certain areas, such as reversing metabolic dysfunction and reducing inflammation. As research continues, alternative sources of EPA and DHA may provide sustainable options for maintaining these health benefits.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The effects of EPA and DHA enriched fish oil on nutritional and immunological markers of treatment naïve breast cancer patients: a randomized double-blind controlled trial
EPA and DHA enriched fish oil supplementation in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients significantly changed plasma fatty acid composition, maintained CD4+ T cell levels, and reduced hsCRP levels, suggesting a beneficial immune system effect and less active inflammatory response.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHow does high DHA fish oil affect health? A systematic review of evidence
High DHA fish oil is beneficial for heart, cardiovascular, and brain function, with different and sometimes complementary effects compared to EPA, and may slow cognitive decline.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedEffect of fish oil on arrhythmias and mortality: systematic review
Fish oil supplementation significantly reduces deaths from cardiac causes but has no effect on arrhythmias or all cause mortality, with no clear optimal formulation for EPA or DHA.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedFish Oil Enriched in EPA, but Not in DHA, Reverses the Metabolic Syndrome and Adipocyte Dysfunction Induced by a High-Fat Diet
Fish oil rich in EPA, but not in DHA, effectively reverses metabolic syndrome and adipocyte dysfunction caused by obesity, compared to a high-fat diet alone.
RCT
Animal StudyVery Rigorous JournalFish oil regulates blood fatty acid composition and oxylipin levels in healthy humans: A comparison of young and older men.
Fish oil supplements lower blood triglycerides in both young and older men, but show different responses in blood fatty acids and promote an improved oxylipin profile in both age groups.
RCTRigorous JournalBenefits of fish oil supplementation in hyperlipidemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Fish oil supplementation significantly reduces fasting blood triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic individuals, but does not significantly affect total, HDL, or LDL cholesterol levels.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedEffects of fish-oil supplementation on myocardial fatty acids in humans.
High-dose fish-oil supplementation rapidly incorporates n-3 fatty acids into human myocardial phospholipids, primarily replacing arachidonic acid, potentially benefiting heart health.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDietary supplementation with seed oil from transgenic Camelina sativa induces similar increments in plasma and erythrocyte DHA and EPA to fish oil in healthy humans
Consuming transgenic Camelina sativa seed oil is as effective as fish oil for increasing EPA and DHA concentrations in healthy humans.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: nutrition or pharmacology?
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements may help reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma, with mixed results in these other conditions.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedUtilisation of fish oil in ruminants
Fish oil supplements can significantly transfer EPA and DHA into goat milk without negatively impacting intake or milk yield, provided they are protected against ruminal biohydrogenation.
RCTHighly Cited