Where is DPA Found and Why Does it Matter?

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Recent studies suggest that Docosapentaenoic Acid, or DPA, may play a more significant role in cardiovascular health than previously thought. This potent, lesser-known omega-3 fatty acid is primarily found in marine and animal sources, acting as a crucial intermediary between EPA and DHA.

Quick Summary

DPA, a less-known omega-3, is found mainly in fatty fish, marine oils, and grass-fed meat. It offers potent anti-inflammatory effects and supports cardiovascular and neurological function. Algae-based supplements provide a vegan-friendly source for this important fatty acid. It can also act as a metabolic reservoir for EPA and DHA.

Key Points

DPA is Found in Marine and Animal Sources: The highest concentrations of DPA are in fatty fish like salmon, marine oils (menhaden, salmon), and grass-fed red meat.
Algae Oil is a Vegan Option for DPA: For those on a plant-based diet, algal oil supplements provide EPA and DHA, which the body can convert to DPA, though this is less efficient than direct consumption.
DPA Acts as a Reservoir for Other Omega-3s: The body can convert DPA into both EPA and DHA as needed, making it a critical metabolic intermediary and storage pool.
DPA has Strong Anti-inflammatory Effects: It plays a specific role in resolving inflammation and may be more potent than EPA or DHA in certain cardiovascular applications, like inhibiting platelet aggregation.
DPA Supports Heart and Brain Health: Research links DPA to improved lipid metabolism, vascular function, and enhanced neurological health, contributing to overall cardiovascular and cognitive wellness.
Dietary Conversion from ALA is Inefficient: While plant-based sources like flaxseed contain the precursor ALA, the human body's conversion of ALA to DPA is very limited.

What Exactly is DPA?

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that is closely related to EPA and DHA. While often present in smaller amounts in food sources, DPA is being increasingly recognized for its distinct health benefits. The body can convert EPA into DPA and subsequently into DHA, allowing DPA to function as a reservoir for these other essential omega-3s. This makes DPA a valuable component of a complete omega-3 intake, influencing health aspects from heart function to managing inflammation.

Primary Dietary Sources of DPA

The most concentrated and readily available forms of DPA come from animal products, especially marine sources. However, individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets have alternative ways to obtain or support DPA levels.

Marine and Animal Sources:

Fatty Fish: Excellent sources of DPA, alongside EPA and DHA, include oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines.
Marine Oils: Oils derived from marine organisms like salmon oil and menhaden oil are rich in DPA, with menhaden oil particularly noted for its high content.
Grass-Fed Red Meat: In contrast to grain-fed meat, grass-fed beef and lamb contain notable levels of DPA, influenced by the animal's pasture-rich diet.
Human Milk: For infants, breast milk is a significant source of DPA, with levels comparable to DHA.

Vegetarian and Vegan Sources: While direct DPA consumption is mainly through animal products, plant-based diets can support DPA levels indirectly.

Algal Oil: This oil, derived from marine algae, is a sustainable and potent vegan source of DHA and EPA, which the body can then convert to DPA.
ALA Conversion: Plant-based omega-3s like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, can be converted into EPA and, to a lesser extent, DPA. However, this conversion is generally inefficient in humans.

The Health Benefits Associated with DPA

Though less extensively researched than EPA and DHA, studies highlight potential health benefits of adequate DPA intake.

Lists of Potential Benefits:

Cardiovascular Support: Research suggests DPA may help maintain vascular health by improving lipid profiles and reducing platelet aggregation, which can help prevent blood clots.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: DPA is a precursor to compounds that actively resolve inflammation.
Neurological Health: DPA can be converted to DHA and is present in the brain, suggesting a role in cognitive function.
Immune Function: DPA supports a healthy immune system by modulating inflammation.
Reservoir for Other Omega-3s: DPA acts as a metabolic reserve, helping ensure the body has a supply of EPA and DHA.

Comparison Table: DPA vs. EPA vs. DHA


Feature	DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid)	EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)	DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
Primary Sources	Marine oils, fatty fish, grass-fed red meat	Fatty fish, fish oil	Fatty fish, algae, fish oil
Function as Intermediary	Yes, acts as a reservoir for EPA and DHA	Precursor to DPA and DHA, with lower conversion efficiency	End-product of the pathway; less likely to be converted back
Potency	Thought to have superior anti-inflammatory properties in some areas	Known for potent anti-inflammatory effects	Essential for brain and retinal structure and function
Focus of Research	Emerging, with focus on unique benefits	Historically studied for cardiovascular benefits	Extensive research on brain and cognitive function

Can You Supplement with DPA?

Supplements are an option for individuals not consuming sufficient DPA-rich foods. While many standard fish oil supplements contain low DPA levels due to processing, specialized or high-quality options, including certain fish or algal oils, now offer increased DPA content for a more complete omega-3 profile. When choosing a supplement, check the label for specific DPA amounts.

The Importance of a Balanced Omega-3 Intake

DPA's benefits are part of a synergistic relationship with EPA and DHA. Consuming a full spectrum of these omega-3 fatty acids, either through a varied diet including fatty fish and fortified foods or a quality supplement, is recommended for maximizing cardiovascular, cognitive, and inflammatory health benefits.

Conclusion

DPA is a significant omega-3 fatty acid found mainly in fatty fish, marine oils, and grass-fed red meat. Its unique roles, such as serving as an omega-3 reservoir and its potent anti-inflammatory actions, highlight its importance alongside EPA and DHA. By focusing on these food sources or choosing specialized supplements, individuals can ensure a complete omega-3 intake for overall health.

[Authoritative Outbound Link]: Learn more about the biochemistry of fatty acids and their roles in human nutrition from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

DPA stands for Docosapentaenoic Acid, a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found in certain marine and animal foods. It is structurally similar to EPA and DHA and functions as a key metabolic intermediate between them.

Directly, DPA is not found in most plant foods. However, the body can convert the plant-based omega-3, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), found in seeds and nuts, into DPA, although this process is inefficient. Algal oil supplements offer a direct vegan source of EPA and DHA, which can then be converted to DPA.

Fatty, cold-water fish are the best sources of DPA, including salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies. Sockeye salmon is particularly noted as a good source.

DPA functions as a reservoir for other omega-3s, converting into EPA and DHA as the body needs them. It also has unique anti-inflammatory properties, supports vascular health, and is linked to improved cognitive and immune functions.

The omega-3 content of fish can vary based on their diet. Wild fish that feed on marine algae typically have higher and more complete omega-3 profiles. Farmed fish, which are often grain-fed, may have lower levels of DPA and other essential omega-3s compared to their wild counterparts.

Yes, you can increase DPA levels through supplements. Look for high-quality fish oil or specialized omega-3 supplements that specify DPA content on the label, as some common processing methods can reduce DPA concentrations.

DPA helps improve heart health by reducing platelet aggregation (preventing blood clots) and improving lipid metabolism. It contributes to the resolution of chronic inflammation, which is a key factor in cardiovascular disease.