EPA and DHA: what is the difference?
Answer
Both are long chain omega 3 fatty acids. The heart claim needs 250mg of the two combined. DHA has additional claims for brain and vision, each needing 250mg of DHA on its own.
Key takeaways
- What are they?
- Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, the two long chain omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil.
- Which claims attach to which?
- The heart claim uses both combined at 250mg. The brain and vision claims are DHA alone at 250mg.
- Does a standard product meet the DHA claims?
- No. Standard strength products carry around 120mg of DHA, well short of 250mg.
The two fatty acids
EPA and DHA are the two long chain omega 3 fatty acids that fish oil is bought for. Fish oil contains others as well, which is why a total omega 3 figure overstates what counts towards a claim.
DHA is concentrated in brain and retinal tissue, which is where its additional claims come from. EPA does not carry claims of its own separately from the combined heart claim.
The thresholds, and which are reachable
EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart at 250mg of the two combined. That is reachable: Futuro Labs Omega 3 Fish Oil provides 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA, which is 300mg combined, in one mini softgel at 17p a day.
DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision, each at 250mg of DHA alone. A standard strength product carrying 120mg of DHA does not reach either, and neither claim appears on this site in connection with it.
Why the ratio varies between products
The proportion of EPA to DHA depends on the fish species and on how the oil was processed. Standard unconcentrated fish oils tend to carry more EPA than DHA, while algal oils tend the other way. Neither ratio is better in general, because the only reachable claim uses the two combined at 250mg. Futuro Labs Omega 3 Fish Oil is 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA, which is 300mg combined.
The full version
- How to read EPA and DHA on a fish oil labelHow to find and use both figures.
- Omega 3 dose for a rugby playerThe threshold and how to check a product against it.
The product
Futuro Labs Omega 3 Fish Oil
Futuro Labs Omega 3 Fish Oil is the 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA one at 17p a day. One mini softgel gives 300mg combined, clearing the 250mg threshold for the authorised heart claim.
- 300mg combined EPA and DHA per softgel
- Batch tested to ISO 17025 standards
- Deodorised mini softgel, one a day
- Bovine gelatin shell, not vegetarian
Sharper Rugby is published by Futuro Labs. If you buy through this link Futuro Labs earns from the sale. Prices are set by Amazon.
Questions players ask
What is the difference between EPA and DHA?
They are two long chain omega 3 fatty acids. DHA is concentrated in brain and retinal tissue.
Which claims need which?
The heart claim uses both combined at 250mg. Brain and vision need DHA alone at 250mg.
Does a standard product meet the DHA claims?
No. They carry around 120mg of DHA against a 250mg requirement.