Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid structurally related to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which have been widely studied for cardiovascular benefits. The interest in DPA for congestive heart failure (CHF) arises from its potential role in modulating inflammation, improving endothelial function, and providing anti-arrhythmic effects—all relevant in the context of heart failure. While EPA and DHA have stronger bodies of evidence supporting their use for cardiovascular conditions, recent epidemiological and preclinical research suggests that DPA also contributes to cardiovascular health, possibly by complementing the effects of EPA and DHA. Some observational studies have reported an association between higher circulating levels of DPA and reduced risk of cardiovascular events, including heart failure. For instance, population-based studies have found that individuals with higher plasma DPA levels tend to have lower rates of incident heart failure. Preclinical studies suggest that DPA has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce cardiac remodeling and improve cardiac function. However, direct clinical trials evaluating DPA supplementation specifically for CHF are lacking. Most available studies examine DPA as part of the total omega-3 profile, not as a standalone intervention. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some emerging evidence to support its potential benefit, the direct clinical evidence is limited. As such, DPA’s use in CHF is supported by moderate scientific plausibility but lacks robust, targeted clinical validation.

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