Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Iva 2012-01-21 (EDT)
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. EPA is a carboxylic acid with a 20-carbon chain and five cis double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end.[1] Foods high in EPA typically contain the essential alpha-linolenic acid.[2]
Uses
- EPA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that acts as a precursor for prostaglandin-3 (which inhibits platelet aggregation), thromboxane-3, and leukotriene-5 groups (all eicosanoids).[3]
- EPA is a precursor to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)[4]
- EPA shares the same health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids
