Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Lipids marker
EPA
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
A long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, measured here as its percentage of total fatty acids on a red-blood-cell or plasma fatty-acid panel. EPA is strongly anti-inflammatory and, with DHA, underlies the cardioprotective effects attributed to marine omega-3s.
PED Notes
A low EPA percentage indicates poor omega-3 status and typically tracks with a high omega-6 to omega-3 balance, which is pro-inflammatory. This matters for enhanced athletes on two fronts: AAS worsen the lipid and cardiovascular profile, and raising EPA (via oily fish or fish-oil supplementation) is one of the few evidence-based levers that lowers triglycerides and systemic inflammation without harming the physique. EPA percentage climbs predictably with EPA/DHA intake, so it is a useful way to confirm supplementation is actually working. Values are matrix and method dependent (red-cell panels read differently from plasma), so compare against the reporting lab's range and trend it over time.
When low
When EPA is low (suboptimal omega-3 status):
Supplements and diet:
- Fish oil (EPA/DHA) -- 2-3g combined EPA+DHA per day with a fat-containing meal; the most direct way to raise EPA percentage
- Oily fish -- 2-3 servings/week of salmon, sardines, mackerel, or herring
- Algal oil -- a vegan EPA/DHA source for those who do not eat fish
- Recheck the panel after 8-12 weeks; EPA percentage responds reliably to intake
Pharmacological option (when triglycerides are also high):
- Icosapent ethyl (purified EPA) -- 2g twice daily; prescription; raises EPA and lowers triglycerides with cardiovascular outcome data; a good fit for AAS users with elevated triglycerides, under physician oversight
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range