Understand Omega-3 DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid)

Omega-3 DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid)

What the test generally measures, and what to ask about it.

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Updated Jul 13, 2026

What is Omega-3 DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid)?

A less well-known omega-3 fatty acid that sits between EPA and DHA in the body.

DPA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and seafood, and it acts as a link that the body can convert to and from the better-known EPA and DHA. Diets richer in omega-3s from fish have been associated with better heart health overall, though DPA on its own is still being studied. It is an advanced fatty-acid marker usually reported inside a specialized omega fatty-acid panel rather than a standard blood test.

This glossary entry is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our Terms of Use.

References

Official source "Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Consumer Fact Sheet" NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer.

About our sources

Official sources

Government health agencies, national institutes, and intergovernmental bodies whose guidelines carry regulatory or policy weight.

MedlinePlus (NIH / U.S. National Library of Medicine) NIH Office of Dietary Supplements World Health Organization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention NCBI Bookshelf / StatPearls (NIH/NLM) NHLBI, National Institutes of Health NIDDK, National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute (NIH) National Health Service (UK) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence European Food Safety Authority

Clinical / professional

Medical societies, specialty colleges, and professional associations whose consensus statements reflect clinical practice standards.

Testing.com / Lab Tests Online (ADLM, ex-AACC) Mayo Clinic Laboratories Cleveland Clinic MSD Manuals American Diabetes Association American Heart Association Endocrine Society American Thyroid Association

Peer-reviewed research

Original research articles and systematic reviews published in indexed journals and verified through PubMed or DOI.

History of updates

Published · Jul 13, 2026

First published, written and independently fact-checked against the cited sources.

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