Roll Call

“Docosapentaenoic acid?”Here!DPA

Animal-derived

Hasn’t appeared in a scanned product yet.

As a supplement

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Roll Call does not check drug interactions or assess personal safety.

An omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and seal oils, structurally positioned between EPA and DHA, the two more commonly studied omega-3s.

Why it’s used

Taken as part of an omega-3 fatty acid intake, sometimes marketed alongside or as a complement to EPA and DHA for general fatty-acid support.

What the evidence says

Most omega-3 research, including NIH ODS material, focuses on EPA and DHA; DPA has been studied far less on its own in human trials, and its independent effects apart from EPA/DHA are not well established.

Context

No well-defined independent human dosing protocol for DPA alone has emerged from the available research; it is typically consumed as one component within mixed omega-3 oils.

Rumors

  1. DPA improves cognitive function and mental well-being.

    Unresolvedhealth and safety evidence

    Studied in: elderly adults (NHANES 2011-2014, aged 60 and older).

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Carlson — a brand: sells vitamins, omega-3s and nutritional supplements; family-owned
      How we know who this is
      • “Since 1965, Carlson has been a leader in the vitamin and supplement industry and has won numerous awards for freshness, potency, purity, and flavor.” (their page)
      • “Carlson Nutritional Supplements began in Founder Susan Carlson's small Chicago apartment in 1965 and today has grown to offer more than 300 vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, kids' products, and other nutritional supplements.” (their page)
  2. DPA reduces inflammation, and does so more strongly than EPA.

    Sources cited — check not cleared.

    Studied in: rats with CFA-induced arthritis (animal model of rheumatoid arthritis).

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Dr. Joe Muscolino — a professional body or practice: sells continuing education courses and video subscriptions for manual therapists
      How we know who this is
      • “Dr. Joe Muscolino developed LearnMuscles with the mission of providing a unique curriculum for manual therapists and movement professionals, sharing his four decades of knowledge and insight.” (their page)
      • “He also has multiple video streaming subscription courses for manual therapists and movement professionals, as well as educational institutions.” (their page)
  3. DPA is up to 10 times more effective than EPA at preventing arterial plaque formation.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Canadian Seal Products — an advocacy group: promotes and markets Canadian seal products for the sealing industry
      How we know who this is
      • “Become a Vendor on the Canadian Seal Products online store and get the opportunity to increase your visibility and reach new customers for your premium seal products.” (their page)
      • “Our Mission Bring together Canada’s sealing industry harvesters, processors, manufacturers, retailers, and Indigenous Peoples of Canada to promote and market high quality and sustainable Canadian Seal Products.” (their page)
  4. DPA supports cardiovascular health.

    Supports — establishedhealth and safety evidence

    Measured as a biomarker.

    Who’s saying this

    • Carlson — a brand: sells vitamins, omega-3s and nutritional supplements; family-owned
      How we know who this is
      • “Since 1965, Carlson has been a leader in the vitamin and supplement industry and has won numerous awards for freshness, potency, purity, and flavor.” (their page)
      • “Carlson Nutritional Supplements began in Founder Susan Carlson's small Chicago apartment in 1965 and today has grown to offer more than 300 vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, kids' products, and other nutritional supplements.” (their page)
  5. DPA helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Dr. Joe Muscolino — a professional body or practice: sells continuing education courses and video subscriptions for manual therapists
      How we know who this is
      • “Dr. Joe Muscolino developed LearnMuscles with the mission of providing a unique curriculum for manual therapists and movement professionals, sharing his four decades of knowledge and insight.” (their page)
      • “He also has multiple video streaming subscription courses for manual therapists and movement professionals, as well as educational institutions.” (their page)