EPA and DHA – foundation for healthier living

Most importantly EPA and DHA serve as building blocks and signal molecules. In addition, EPA and DHA regulate a wide range of bodily functions such as the immune response and the inflammation response to infection. EPA and DHA are essential for a healthy diet.

The recommended daily intake of EPA and DHA varies by different health organizations. However, all of the major health organizations agree on the importance of EPA and DHA to overall health.

Recommended levels of EPA and DHA

The International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids & Lipids (ISSFAL) recommends 500 mg EPA and DHA for adults per day to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating fatty fish twice weekly. For heart patients it is recommended 1 g EPA/DHA daily for CHD or CVD patients and 2 g to 4 g EPA/DHA daily for patients who need to lower triglycerides.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends a total of 650 mg EPA & DHA, with at least 220 mg of each.

Health claims on EPA and DHA

Food containing any level of EPA and DHA are able to carry the claim:

"Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One serving of [name of food] provides [X] grams of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. [See nutrition information]."

At this time no minimum levels for EPA and DHA have been established in order to use the health claim. However,

both EPA and DHA must be present and their total amount per serving must be listed within the context of the health claim itself.