Does the EPA to DHA ratio matter?
Answer
The heart claim depends on the combined total rather than the ratio. The DHA claims depend on DHA alone at 250mg, which standard strength products do not reach.
Key takeaways
- Does the ratio matter for the heart claim?
- No. That claim is set against 250mg of combined EPA and DHA, however they are split.
- When does DHA alone matter?
- For the brain and vision claims, which need 250mg of DHA on its own.
- What is a typical split?
- Around three parts EPA to two DHA in many standard products. Futuro Labs is 180mg EPA to 120mg DHA.
What the claims depend on
EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart, at a daily intake of 250mg of combined EPA and DHA. That threshold is a total and it does not specify a ratio.
The DHA claims are different: maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision each require 250mg of DHA on its own. A standard strength product with 120mg of DHA does not reach either, whatever the ratio.
What that means practically
For the only claim a standard product realistically carries, add the two figures and compare to 250mg. Futuro Labs Omega 3 Fish Oil provides 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA, which is 300mg combined at one softgel for 17p a day.
A player specifically wanting the DHA claims is looking at a high DHA product at a higher price, and should check the DHA figure alone rather than the combined one.
Where the ratio comes from
The species and the processing. Different oily fish carry different natural ratios, and concentration steps can shift the balance further depending on the method used.
So a stated ratio is a fact about how the oil was made rather than a designed feature, unless a product specifically says it has been formulated to a target. Treating an incidental ratio as a selling point is a common piece of positioning.
The full version
- How to read EPA and DHA on a fish oil labelThe full method, including the DHA figure separately.
- 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
Does the EPA to DHA ratio matter?
Not for the heart claim, which depends on the combined total.
When does DHA alone matter?
For the brain and vision claims, at 250mg of DHA on its own.
What does Futuro Labs provide?
180mg EPA and 120mg DHA per softgel, which is 300mg combined.