Guide to DPA (Omega-3)

WRITTEN BY

Updated: 05/22/2025|12 min read

Summary

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that acts as both an active anti-inflammatory compound and a reservoir for other omega-3s.

Why It Matters

DPA helps prevent inflammation and supports healthy blood flow in your blood vessels. But what makes DPA particularly valuable is its ability to be stored in tissues and converted to other omega-3s as needed.

Your DPA level provides unique information about your omega-3 status. High DPA might indicate that your body is effectively storing omega-3s, while low DPA could mean either low omega-3 intake, problems converting between different forms, or higher than average omega-3 requirements due to a current inflammatory condition.

DPA levels also help predict how well you'll maintain levels of other omega-3s, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), over time, since your body can draw from DPA stores when needed.

The body primarily obtains DPA from diet, but it can convert limited amounts of EPA into DPA.

Associated Symptoms

Suboptimal DPA status may be associated with certain health conditions, each with its own symptoms.

Conditions potentially associated with low DPA:

Inflammatory disorders: Joint stiffness, chronic inflammation, slower recovery from tissue damage
Cardiovascular conditions: Reduced vascular function, potentially affecting circulation
Skin conditions: Dryness, delayed wound healing
Immune dysfunction: Compromised immune response, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to infections or autoimmunity

It's useful to understand that the relationship between DPA and these conditions is complex. Low DPA may be one contributing factor to these conditions, while some of these conditions may also affect DPA metabolism. Many of these symptoms can result from numerous other factors, so they should be evaluated in the context of your overall health profile and other test results. DPA status is just one of many factors that influence these health conditions.

Additionally, unlike some other nutrients with well-established deficiency syndromes, the specific role of DPA independent from other omega-3 fatty acids is still being researched. Much of what we know about DPA comes from its relationship with the broader omega-3 family and its role as a potential storage form for other omega-3s.

Clinical Ranges

Lab Reference Range: 0.8-1.8 % by wt

Lifestyle Factors That Can Impact It

Activities that increase DPA levels include:

Fatty fish consumption provides direct DPA.
Good sleep habits support proper fat metabolism.

Activities that decrease DPA levels include:

A diet high in omega-6s competes with DPA absorption and production
Irregular eating patterns affect DPA synthesis and storage.

Other Factors That Can Impact It

Medical Conditions

Liver disease: may reduce levels by impairing your body's ability to process and store DPA
Diabetes: may lower levels by altering how your body handles fats
Digestive disorders: may decrease levels by reducing fat absorption
Thyroid problems: may affect levels by changing fat metabolism
Kidney disease: can lower levels through altered fat processing

Medications

Blood thinners: don't change levels but increase DPA's effects on blood clotting
NSAIDs: might affect how your body processes DPA

Testing Accuracy and Stability

Since DPA can be converted to and from other omega-3s, timing and recent dietary changes can significantly impact test accuracy.

Factors That Can Affect Your Test Results

Recent meals with fatty fish can increase levels.
Levels may be lower when fasting.

How it Relates to Other Markers

DPA's interactions with other biomarkers can help your doctor assess your overall health status. Key related markers include:

EPA: Higher EPA levels may lead to higher DPA as your body can convert EPA to DPA. Conversely, low EPA might mean lower DPA.
Omega-3 index: A low overall omega-3 index may mean low DPA levels, as they typically move together.
Triglycerides: High triglycerides can indicate problems with fat metabolism that can lower DPA.

Follow-up Considerations

If your DPA levels are low, your healthcare provider may recommend supplements, diet changes, and retesting your levels to see if they respond to any interventions. Any further testing will depend on your level and overall health. You should always speak to your doctor if you have medical questions or before making medical decisions.

When Re-Testing May be Appropriate

Normal levels: Every 6--12 months
Low levels: Every 3 months until normalized
During supplementation: Every 3--4 months

Additional Testing Your Doctor May Consider

Cardiovascular risk markers
Omega-6 fatty acids
Oxidative stress markers

When Additional Care May be Warranted

Persistently low levels despite intervention
Multiple fatty acid imbalances
Chronic inflammatory conditions
Poor conversion to EPA/DHA
Cardiovascular concerns

Bibliography

References

1. Kaur, Gunveen, et al. "Docosapentaenoic Acid (22:5n-3): A Review of Its Biological Effects." Progress in Lipid Research, vol. 50, no. 1, 2011, pp. 28--34. DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2010.07.004.

2. Miller, Eliza, et al. "A Short-Term n-3 DPA Supplementation Study in Humans." European Journal of Nutrition, vol. 52, no. 3, 2013, pp. 895--904. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-012-0396-3.

3. Guo, Xiao-Fei, et al. "Different Metabolism of EPA, DPA and DHA in Humans: A Double-blind Cross-over Study." Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, vol. 158, 2020, article 102033. DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2019.102033.

4. Maki, Kevin C., et al. "Effects of Adding Prescription Omega-3 Acid Ethyl Esters to Simvastatin (20 mg/day) on Lipids and Lipoprotein Particles in Men and Women with Mixed Dyslipidemia." American Journal of Cardiology, vol. 102, no. 4, 2008, pp. 429--433. DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.03.078.