Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA)
Lipids marker
DPA
Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA)
An intermediate long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that sits metabolically between EPA and DHA. Measured as a percentage of total fatty acids, it acts as a reservoir that can be converted to EPA or DHA and contributes to overall omega-3 status.
PED Notes
DPA is the less-discussed third marine omega-3, alongside EPA and DHA, and it is included in the EPA+DPA+DHA sum that some panels report as their Omega-3 Index. It rises with fish and fish-oil intake and generally moves in parallel with EPA and DHA, so a low DPA usually just reinforces a low overall omega-3 status. There is no separate supplement target for DPA specifically: improving total EPA/DHA intake raises it. As with the other fatty-acid fractions, the percentage is matrix and method dependent.
When low
When DPA is low:
- Treat it as part of overall omega-3 status rather than a standalone target. Raising EPA/DHA intake through oily fish, fish oil, or algal oil increases DPA as well.
- Fish oil (EPA/DHA) -- 2-3g combined per day with food
- Recheck the full fatty-acid panel after 8-12 weeks and follow the combined omega-3 total and Omega-3 Index rather than DPA in isolation.
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range