Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of several omega-3 fatty acids used by the body. It is found in cold water fatty fish, such as sardine. It is also found along with Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of several omega-3 fatty acids used by the body. It is found in cold water fatty fish, such as sardine. It is also found along with Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The importance of EFA (Essential fatty acids)
Omega-3 fatty acids are part of a healthy diet that helps lower risk of heart disease. Getting more EPA in your diet has positive effects on coronary heart disease, high triglycerides (fats in the blood), high blood pressure, and inflammation. Essential fatty acids are referred to as essential because they must be included in the diet for carrying out various body functions but are not synthesized in body & need to be Supplemented through diet.
Essential fatty acids carry out vital functions in body such as formation of structural part of cell membrane, signaling etc. EPA, DHA & other fatty acids trigger the formation of Prostaglandins (PG). PG’s are essential for proper body functioning.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
Because omega-3 fatty acids are needed for children's brains to develop properly, researchers have examined whether fish oil might reduce ADHD symptoms. So far, results have been mixed. One study showed fish oil might help, but many patients dropped out of the study before it was completed.
Depression:
Some studies have shown that fish oil reduces symptoms of depression. Other studies suggest it may be EPA that has the positive effect on depression.
Heart Disease:
Fish oil appears to have positive effects on existing heart disease. It also may lower the risk for developing heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil help lower triglycerides, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of blood clots, improve the health of arteries and reduce the amount of arterial plaque, which narrows arteries and causes heart disease.
Infant Development:
Babies need a balance of omega-3 fatty acids for normal growth and development. Nutrition experts have issued recommendations for each type of omega-3 fatty acid in infant formulas and diets. According to these recommendations, intake of EPA for infants on formula diets should be less than 0.1%.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Several small studies indicate that fish oil may help reduce symptoms and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Menstrual Pain:
Fish oil appears to reduce the pain of menstrual cramps when taken on a regular basis (not just when menstruating).
Reynold's Syndrome:
Several studies show that high doses (12 g) of fish oil can reduce sensitivity of the fingers and toes to cold in Raynold’s syndrome. Doses this high should be taken only under a doctor's supervision.
Lupus:
Two small studies suggested that fish oil reduced fatigue and joint pain from lupus.
Other Conditions:
Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, may also have positive effects on lung and kidney diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, anorexia nervosa, burns, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and early stages of colorectal cancer.
Take 1 to 2 softgels twice a day after every meal.