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EPA
Description: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. It is needed for the regulation all bodily functions and the breakdown of dietary fats within the body.
When DHA is used by the body, some of it converts to another essential fatty acid, EPA.1 The two acids have many similarities (both are found in fish oils), but are not identical; ideally, a proper diet contains adequate amounts of both fatty acids.
Most diets do not have enough EPA in them.
The fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are found in Fish Oil, have anti-inflammatory properties2 which help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.3 It may take several months before the effects of these fatty acids become apparent, however.

Natural Sources: Albacore Tuna, Anchovies, Cod Liver Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Herring, Mackerel, Sable Fish, Salmon, Sardines, Wild game.

Useful in treatment of: rheumatoid arthritis.

Recommended Dosage: 3 grams daily.

Contraindications: May cause elevated blood sugar, especially in diabetics.4 May also cause an increase in LDL cholesterol.5 Patients concerned about either condition should speak to a nutritional specialist before taking EPA supplements.

References:

1Conquer JA, Holub BJ. Supplementation with an algae source of docosahexaenoic acid increases (n-3) fatty acid status and alters selected risk factors for heart disease in vegetarian subjects. J Nutr 1996;126:3032–39.
2Lee TH, Hoover RL, Williams JD, et al. Effect of dietary enrichment with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids on in vitro neutrophil and monocyte leukotriene generation and neutrophil function. N Engl J Med 1985;312(19):1217–24.
3Kremer JM, Lawrence DA, Petrillow GF, et al. Effects of high_dose fish oil on rheumatoid arthritis after stopping nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Arthrit Rheum 1995;38:1107_14.
4Schectman G, Kaul S, Kassebah AH. Effect of fish oil concentrate on lipoprotein composition in NIDDM. Diabetes 1988;37:1567–73.
5Harris WS, Zucker ML, Dujovne CA. Omega-3 fatty acids in type IV hyperlipidemia: Fish oils vs. methyl esters. Am J Clin Nutr 1987;45(4):858 (abstract).
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