Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid
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About DPA
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About DPA
Overview and History
DPA is a 22‑carbon, five‑double‑bond omega‑3 fatty acid (22:5 n‑3) classified among very‑long‑chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Biochemically it is produced from EPA and can be a precursor or intermediate in the pathway toward DHA; it is incorporated into plasma phospholipids and cell membranes and can serve as a substrate for specialized lipid mediators.
Historically DPA has been less studied than EPA and DHA, but growing research links circulating DPA levels to inflammation modulation, platelet function, and lipid handling. Because DPA reflects both dietary intake and metabolic conversion, it provides a window into long‑chain PUFA metabolism and how those pathways interact with cardiovascular biology.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Elevated DPA levels may reflect higher dietary intake of marine omega‑3s, supplement use, or shifts in enzymatic conversion that favor DPA accumulation (for example, slower conversion to DHA). In some observational studies higher DPA associates with more favorable inflammatory and platelet profiles, but interpretation depends on concurrent lipid and inflammation markers.
Low DPA levels can indicate low omega‑3 intake, increased metabolic consumption, or reduced synthesis from precursor fatty acids. Low values may be seen alongside less favorable lipid or inflammatory patterns; assessing DPA together with triglycerides, other omega‑3s, and inflammatory markers gives a clearer picture of biological significance.
Featured Test
Cardio Zoomer includes DPA to clarify omega‑3 status and the balance among long‑chain polyunsaturated fats. DPA helps distinguish dietary intake from metabolic conversion patterns and complements lipid, inflammation, redox, and genetic data to pinpoint which pathways may be shaping an individual’s cardiovascular risk profile.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
