EPA And DHA Flashcards
What are EPA and DHA derived from?
EPA and DHA are formed from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
What are the primary food sources of EPA and DHA?
Oily fish, human breast milk, and marine algae (rich in DHA).
What are the therapeutic uses of EPA and DHA for cardiovascular disease?
EPA/DHA supplementation can reduce blood triglycerides, lower blood pressure, prevent atherosclerosis, and reduce myocardial reinfarction risk.
What is the recommended dosage of EPA/DHA for cardiovascular health?
0.8 - 3g/day of EPA + DHA.
What are the anti-inflammatory benefits of EPA and DHA?
They inhibit NFκB, TNF-α, and Interleukin-6, useful in conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, eczema, and SLE.
What are the therapeutic uses of EPA and DHA for neurological health?
They have neuroprotective properties, help with depression, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s, and increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).
What is the recommended dosage of EPA/DHA for neurological health?
EPA 0.6 - 3g/day, DHA 0.15 - 2g/day.
What is the recommended dosage of EPA/DHA for fetal health during pregnancy?
EPA 800mg/day, DHA 400mg/day.
How can a vegetarian or vegan diet meet EPA/DHA needs?
Include ALA-rich foods like flaxseed and hempseed, support EFA conversion with zinc, magnesium, and B6, limit omega-6 oils, and consider algal supplements.
What factors determine the quality of fish oil?
Sustainability practices, independent purity testing, and EPA/DHA content on the label.
What factors determine the quality of vegan omega oil?
Extracted from microalgae (schizochytrium species) or echium seed oil, free from carrageenan, and cold-pressed/organic.
What drug interactions are associated with EPA/DHA?
EPA may increase bleeding time with anticoagulants, enhance aspirin’s effect, lower blood glucose with diabetes meds, and lower blood pressure with hypertension drugs.
