Docosapentaenoic acid

Fatty-acidBest with a meal

What is it

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5) exists as both an omega-3 (n-3 DPA) and an omega-6 (n-6 DPA) form. n-3 DPA is found in seal oil, fish oil, and grass-fed dairy and is an intermediate between EPA and DHA in omega-3 metabolism.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cardiovascular risk markers

Limited Evidence

Observational data link higher circulating DPA with lower CVD risk; few RCTs of isolated DPA exist.

How it works

n-3 DPA can be converted to EPA or DHA via elongation/desaturation steps and acts as a reservoir of omega-3 fatty acids. It is incorporated into membranes and serves as a precursor for distinct pro-resolving lipid mediators (DPA-derived resolvins). Direct supplementation is rare; most DPA exposure comes from fish-oil products that incidentally contain it.

Dosage

Stand-alone DPA supplements are uncommon. Total omega-3 intake guidance applies: 250-500 mg/day EPA+DHA+DPA for general health.

When and how to take it

Take with fat-containing meal as part of fish-oil intake.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

DPA in fish/seal oil

Typical real-world source.

Co-occurring with EPA and DHA.

Safety

Limited stand-alone safety data. Inferred to be safe at amounts present in fish oil. High-dose pure DPA products are not well characterized.

Who should be cautious

Same as other long-chain omega-3s.

Interactions

Likely similar to EPA/DHA: potential additive effect on bleeding with anticoagulants.

Food sources

Fatty fish (3 oz)

Amount
~50-200 mg DPA
%DV
—

Seal oil (1 g)

Amount
~50-100 mg DPA (where legal)
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Do I need DPA in addition to EPA/DHA?⌄

No specific recommendation. Most fish-oil products include small amounts naturally.

Where does DPA come from?⌄

Fatty fish, marine mammals, and small amounts in grass-fed dairy.

References

Docosapentaenoic acid on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Docosapentaenoic acid (ChEBI:65136) — ChEBI link

Docosapentaenoic acid (PubChem CID 6441454) — PubChem link

Docosapentaenoic acid on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Docosapentaenoic acid (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.