Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid structurally related to both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are well-established for their triglyceride-lowering effects. The scientific justification for using DPA to support or treat elevated triglycerides arises from both preclinical and emerging clinical data. While the majority of omega-3 research historically focused on EPA and DHA, recent studies have begun to elucidate the potential role of DPA as well.

Animal and in vitro studies suggest that DPA may have similar biological effects to EPA and DHA, including the ability to reduce hepatic triglyceride synthesis and secretion, and to increase lipid oxidation. Human observational studies show that higher circulating levels of DPA are associated with lower triglyceride levels. A small number of clinical trials have investigated purified DPA or DPA-enriched fish oils, demonstrating moderate triglyceride-lowering effects, though the evidence base is still much less robust compared to EPA or DHA. In some studies, DPA supplementation has resulted in triglyceride reductions ranging from 10–20%, similar to those seen with EPA or DHA at comparable doses.

Overall, while there is scientific rationale and some supportive evidence for DPA’s use in managing high triglycerides, the body of evidence is still developing, and larger, well-controlled clinical trials are needed. The current evidence supports a moderate rating (3/5) for DPA’s efficacy in this context, with scientific validation but not yet at the level of established therapies.

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