eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-3 oil(s)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. It's found in fish oils. These include cod liver oil, krill oil, and haddock oil.

EPA changes fat (lipid) metabolism. It also lowers harmful lipid levels in the bloodstream. EPA has been shown to decrease triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL. It reduces the damage lipids cause on the lining of the blood vessels.

EPA also reduces overproduction of cells that line the blood vessels. This is called the endothelial lining. This may help reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

EPA is also used to treat severe respiratory issues. These include adult respiratory distress syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But EPA isn't a standard treatment for these diseases.

There may be benefits that have not yet been proven through research.

Fish oil may help prevent cancer and heart attacks. It may help treat rheumatoid arthritis and Raynaud phenomenon.

EPA may also help treat depression and symptoms of menopause. It may also help treat psoriasis and personality disorder.

There is no recommended dietary amount for EPA. The FDA advises no more than 3 grams of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids per day. These should come from foods and dietary supplements. Only do so if working closely with a doctor.

You should try to increase the amount of fatty acids in your diet instead of taking a set amount of EPA. You can do this by consuming more fish or marine animals. Or you can also take fish oil supplements. Fish oil is high in EPA.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk with your doctors before taking any supplements.

EPA doesn't cause any known side effects.

Always talk with your doctor before taking EPA. This is so you can be sure there are no medicine interactions. Fish oil can interact with both blood pressure medicine and blood-clotting medicine.

The use of EPA with other lipid-lowering medicines may help prevent heart disease.

There are no known food interactions with EPA.