EPA extract 25% | Omega-3 fish oil

Properties: Omega-3 fatty acids are considered healthy fats and there are plenty of reasons why. After all, they are actually necessary for the proper development of the nervous system, but they also show multidirectional, beneficial influence on overall health. Interestingly, the human body is capable of producing omega-3s, however, in too small quantities to cover our daily needs for acids of this group. For this reason, they should be supplied with food or properly balanced supplementation. Even though there are 11 compounds belonging to omega-3, from the perspective of our bodies, the most important are 3, namely: ALA, DHA and EPA. Eicosapentaenoic acid, which is the full name of EPA, primarily helps to take care of the nervous system. Thanks to research studies, it has been proven that it can bring benefits to brain structures related to memory. It can also improve the ability to focus attention. What’s more, EPA facilitates blood flow in the vessels that supply oxygen and essential nutrients to the brain, providing neurons with a good environment to work efficiently. This compound plays an important role in terms of mental well-being, as it reduces nervous tension and enhances stress resilience.

It is worth noting that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, are key to maintaining proper fat metabolism. For this reason, this compound can be treated as a valuable support in the prevention of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. In fact, research shows that omega-3 acids regulate triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood. Moreover, they increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin, thus lowering the risk of developing diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Among the health-promoting properties of EPA we should certainly highlight the beneficial influence on the immune system. This compound exhibits immunomodulating effects. It prevents an excessive immune response, as it facilitates the production of resolvins that counteract chronic inflammation, including those associated with neurodegenerative changes. EPA proves to be an excellent support not only for the smooth functioning of the nervous system, but also protects the brain from harmful factors and helps to keep it in a good shape.

Occurrence: The most valuable sources of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, are marine algae and fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout, sardines or herring. Eicosapentaenoic acid can also be found in seafood, including shrimp and oysters.

Biochemistry: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. The omega-3 group also includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The EPA chain consists of 20 carbon atoms and five double bonds. This compound can be produced in the human body, but only in small amounts. Therefore, it must be supplied with food. Daily requirement for omega-3 fatty acids is 250-500 mg of EPA with DHA, although when dealing with deficiencies, considerably higher amounts may be recommended. 

EPA has many important functions in the human body, as it promotes the proper development of the fetus, and supports a good functioning of the nervous system. It lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but additionally, reduces the risk of developing diabetes and insulin resistance. At the same time, it plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle of women. This compound exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to maintain hair, skin and nails in good condition.

Omega-3 acids (which include EPA) as well as omega-6 and omega-9 acids belong to the group of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Their molecules have a similar, very complex structure. However, they are distinguished, depending on where the double bond occurs in their carbon chain. When it is located at the third carbon atom from the end, the compound belongs to the omega-3 group. And if the double bond occurs at the sixth or ninth carbon atom, the compound is considered omega-6 or omega-9, respectively.

Fun fact: In the 1970s, Danish researchers Jørn Dyerberg and Hans Olaf Bang went on an expedition to Greenland, as they became interested in the fact that Inuit people rarely struggle with cardiovascular disease. After examining blood samples from the island’s indigenous people, the researchers confirmed that one of major factors promoting a good heart condition is a diet rich in fish, which provides large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.