Does All Fish Oil Contain DPA? A Look at What's Really in Your Supplement

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to ConsumerLab, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is often the third most prevalent omega-3 in fish oil, although it usually occurs in much lower concentrations than its well-known counterparts, EPA and DHA. This raises a key question for consumers: does all fish oil contain DPA, and if so, is the amount significant enough to matter?

Quick Summary

DPA is present in most fish oils, but its concentration varies dramatically based on the fish source and refining process. Many supplements do not list DPA on the label due to its low concentration. The refining process can inadvertently strip DPA from the oil, leading to inconsistent levels.

Key Points

Not all fish oil is equal: The presence and quantity of DPA in fish oil supplements vary significantly, largely depending on the fish species and how the oil is processed.
Processing affects DPA levels: Modern refining methods, such as distillation, used to remove contaminants can also inadvertently strip much of the DPA from the final product.
Check the label: Many standard fish oil supplements do not list DPA content because the amounts are too small, so consumers should look for brands that specify DPA.
DPA is a crucial omega-3: It acts as a metabolic reservoir for EPA and DHA, and has unique benefits for cardiovascular and neural health.
Source matters for DPA: High levels of DPA are found in certain fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring, as well as in some grass-fed animal products.
Specialized supplements are available: For those who want more DPA, specialized, high-DPA fish oil supplements exist that guarantee a higher concentration.

What is DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid)?

DPA, or docosapentaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid similar to EPA and DHA but with a slightly longer structure. It plays a unique role in the body, capable of being converted into either EPA or DHA as needed, making it a key biological reservoir for omega-3s. DPA also has its own health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and potential support for cardiovascular and brain health. However, its presence and concentration in fish oil supplements are not always guaranteed and are heavily influenced by the source and processing methods.

The Unique Role of DPA in Omega-3 Metabolism

Omega-3 Reservoir: DPA can be converted into EPA and DHA, acting as a storage form.
Anti-inflammatory Action: DPA helps resolve inflammation and may reduce platelet stickiness.
Brain Health Support: It contributes to cognitive function and may help protect against age-related brain damage.

DPA Content is Affected by Sourcing and Processing

While most raw fish oil naturally contains some DPA, the amount varies depending on the fish species and its diet. Importantly, modern processing methods used to purify fish oil can significantly reduce the DPA content.

Natural Sources Rich in DPA

Certain fish species are known to have higher natural concentrations of DPA.

Sockeye Salmon: Known for relatively high DPA levels.
Mackerel: A good source of DPA.
Sardines and Herring: These cold-water fish provide DPA.
Grass-Fed Beef Liver: A terrestrial source containing notable DPA.

The Impact of Modern Processing Methods

Fish oil refining processes, while necessary for removing contaminants, can inadvertently degrade or remove DPA. This is a major reason why many standard fish oil supplements may have low or undetectable DPA levels in the final product, despite being made from fish that originally contained it. This underscores why consumers shouldn't assume DPA is present in significant amounts in all fish oil.

How to Find a Fish Oil Supplement with DPA

Because DPA content varies, finding a supplement with meaningful amounts requires careful selection. Some manufacturers now list DPA on their labels.

Review the label: Look for a breakdown of individual omega-3s, not just a total amount. DPA should be listed with a specific quantity.
Seek specialized products: Some supplements are formulated specifically to contain higher levels of DPA and may be labeled as 'high-DPA'.
Consider the fish source: Certain fish sources and preparation methods are known to yield higher DPA concentrations.

Comparison of Standard vs. High-DPA Fish Oil Supplements


Feature	Standard Fish Oil Supplement	High-DPA Fish Oil Supplement
DPA Content	Often low or negligible; may not be listed.	Concentrated, with DPA levels clearly specified on the label.
EPA & DHA	Primary focus; high concentrations listed prominently.	Typically contains significant amounts of EPA and DHA alongside the DPA.
Sourcing/Processing	Highly refined, often using distillation that can reduce DPA content.	Sourced and processed to preserve or concentrate DPA, preserving the full spectrum of omega-3s.
Price	Generally lower due to simpler processing and less specialized sourcing.	Higher cost reflecting specialized sourcing and processing techniques.
Key Benefit	Primarily delivers high doses of EPA and DHA for well-known benefits.	Offers the complete profile of omega-3s, including DPA's unique anti-inflammatory properties and reservoir function.

Why DPA Matters: The Science Behind the 'Missing Omega'

Increasing research highlights DPA's importance beyond simply being a precursor to EPA and DHA. Studies link higher DPA levels to improved cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and impacting lipid metabolism. As the scientific understanding of omega-3s grows, DPA is being recognized as a key contributor to overall health.

List of Key DPA Health Benefits

Cardiovascular Support: May improve vascular health by reducing inflammation and platelet aggregation.
Cognitive Function: Linked to better brain health and may protect against oxidative damage.
Immune Modulation: Contributes to immune function and helps manage inflammation.
Lipid Metabolism: May help regulate triglycerides and cholesterol.
Digestive Health: Shows promise in reducing intestinal inflammation.

Conclusion: The Nuanced Answer to DPA in Fish Oil

Not all fish oil contains DPA in significant or guaranteed amounts. While naturally present in fish, the final DPA concentration in supplements is highly variable due to the type of fish used and the refining process. Consumers seeking the benefits of DPA need to be discerning and look for products that explicitly state the DPA content on the label. Assuming all fish oil provides DPA is incorrect, and finding this 'missing omega' requires informed choices.

For more in-depth scientific insights on DPA, refer to research published by the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

EPA, DHA, and DPA are all omega-3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA are the most well-known, found in abundance in fish oil. DPA, while often present in lower amounts, is distinct because it can be converted into both EPA and DHA in the body, effectively serving as a reservoir for these other important omega-3s.

Yes, you can get DPA from your diet by eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, which are excellent natural sources. While grass-fed meat also contains DPA, fish is a more concentrated source.

DPA is sometimes called the 'missing omega' because it's often present in fish oil in very small amounts and is frequently left off supplement labels. This is partly due to its lower concentration compared to EPA and DHA and partly because modern processing can reduce its content.

It's not guaranteed. Most fish oil contains trace amounts, but modern processing can significantly reduce the DPA content. The only way to be certain of the DPA concentration is if it's explicitly listed on the supplement facts panel.

Emerging research suggests DPA is a vital omega-3 with its own significant benefits. Studies have linked DPA to stronger anti-inflammatory effects and better cardiovascular health than EPA or DHA alone, though more research is ongoing.

The ideal way to get omega-3s, including DPA, is through whole food sources. However, supplements are a useful alternative, particularly for those who do not eat fish regularly or want a higher, guaranteed dose of DPA. For high DPA intake, some specialized supplements are formulated for this purpose.

To find a high-DPA supplement, look for brands that have transparent labeling and specifically call out the DPA content on their product packaging or website. Specialized supplements are often marketed as high-DPA fish oil and will list the exact milligram amount.