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EPA
Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (20:5n-3) from marine sources that is the precursor of series-3 prostaglandins, series-5 leukotrienes, and E-series resolvins.
Also: 20:5n-3, EPA, Eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA competes with arachidonic acid as substrate for cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, yielding less inflammatory eicosanoids. Combined EPA+DHA at 2-4 g/d lowers triglycerides; icosapent ethyl (purified EPA, 4 g/d) reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in REDUCE-IT. Conversion from α-linolenic acid (ALA) to EPA is limited (<10%), so dietary or supplemental marine sources are practically necessary for substantial tissue enrichment.
How one textbook covers it
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 4: Lipids and Lipid Metabolites
EPA competes with arachidonic acid as substrate for cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, yielding less inflammatory eicosanoids. Combined EPA+DHA at 2-4 g/d lowers triglycerides; icosapent ethyl (purified EPA, 4 g/d) reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in REDUCE-IT. Conversion from α-linolenic acid (ALA) to EPA is limited (<10%), so dietary or supplemental marine sources are practically necessary for substantial tissue enrichment.
Related terms
ALA, DHA, Omega-3 fatty acids, SPMs