Docosapentaenoic acid

Docosapentaenoic acid, DPA, is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid containing 22 carbon atoms and 5 double bonds, with rich dietary sources in fish oils, especially herring oil, and in cattle liver. It is important for central nervous system development and its consumption is associated with protection against coronary heart disease. As an intermediate between EPA and DHA in fatty acid metabolism, it contributes to the overall omega-3 status valued in nutrition research. Nutrition surveys increasingly measure it alongside EPA and DHA to capture the full omega-3 picture.