EPA vs DHA: Some of the Best Sources of Omega-3s
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nicole Avena

Brain Health, Healthy Lifestyle, Ingredients, Nutrition

You probably know that omega-3 fatty acids are good for circulatory health. But did you know they’re also crucial for brain health?

When it comes to the benefits of omega-3s, what supports a healthy heart also supports a healthy brain.

EPA vs DHA

Only two fatty acids have been proven essential for humans: linoleic acid (LA), the parent fatty acid of the omega-6 series, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the parent fatty acid of the omega-3 series.

Two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They’re called essential for a reason – our brains need these specific omega-3 essential fatty acids to function optimally.

Here are some of the top health benefits of these long-chain fatty acids:

EPA fatty acids are less abundant in brain cells than DHA fatty acids but are known to be essential for healthy inflammatory responses and are necessary to produce new nerve cells.
DHA is the most prevalent fatty acid found in the brain. It’s also vital to the creation and maintenance of all the cells in both the brain and the retina (which functionally is an extension of the brain).

The human body requires premade EPA and DHA from our diet. Unfortunately, the standard American diet (SAD) has an unhealthy balance of fatty acids: we get an abundance of saturated and omega-6 fatty acids and not nearly enough omega-3s.

Most of the omega-3s we do get must be converted to EPA and DHA, which the body doesn’t do efficiently.

Power Team: EPA and DHA

EPA vs DHA 2 When it comes to EPA and DHA, there’s no competition. Though they have different features and functions, EPA and DHA are a highly effective power team. And like good teammates, they work hard to maximize the benefits of each other.

Both are fundamental to the structure and functioning of all our cells, particularly our 200 billion brain cells. EPA and DHA are required for our brain’s nerve cells to make energy and to use that energy for their growth, maintenance, and repair.

These fatty acids are practically vitamins because we must get most of our daily allowance of them from our diet. However, since the body is inefficient at converting plant ALA into EPA and DHA, we need to eat foods that contain these omega-3s preformed, namely cold-water fish.

Considering costs, convenience, and the dangers of contamination of fish with mercury and hundreds of other environmental pollutants, many authoritative organizations recommend taking reputable, concentrated fish oil or algal oil supplements to ensure adequate daily intakes of EPA and DHA.

If you’re looking for the best omega-3 supplement for your unique needs, here’s a closer look at BrainMD’s 3 high-quality, ultra-pure omega-3 supplements…

3 of the Cleanest Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA & DHA

Omega-3 Power

Omega-3 Power is a potent fish oil concentrate that supplies substantial amounts of EPA and DHA.

EPA – Each 2-softgel serving of Omega-3 Power delivers 860 mg of this long-chain omega-3 fatty acid.
DHA – Each 2-softgel serving of Omega-3 Power delivers 580 mg of this long-chain omega-3.

A highly concentrated fish oil product, Omega-3 Power provides 1,600 mg of EPA, DHA, and other omega-3s to power your mood, focus, memory, cognition, and heart.* Our omega-3s are in the bioavailable triglyceride form, thoroughly tested for freshness and screened for 200+ contaminants.*

Omega-3 Power Squeeze

Omega-3 Power Squeeze is a pleasant-tasting fish oil liquid emulsion, customized for children and adults seeking an alternative to taking large capsules. It delivers 910 mg EPA and 590 mg DHA for a total of 1500 mg per serving.

Top reasons to take Omega-3 Power Squeeze:

Ultra-safe – The ultra-pure fish oil in Omega-3 Power Squeeze is extracted in its natural triglyceride form from sustainably harvested fish. The fish oil is tested by independent labs to exclude over 250 toxic contaminants, heavy metals, and other substances. It is maintained fresh throughout the verification process and then is gently purified and emulsified for better absorption and taste.*
Well Absorbed – The advanced emulsification technology behind Omega-3 Power Squeeze makes it better absorbed than standard fish oils.*
Pleasant Tasting – One serving of this citrus-flavored emulsion gives the body considerably more EPA and DHA than a serving of conventional fish or krill oil, without the fishy smell/taste or unpleasant reflux problems.*

Omega-3 Power Squeeze is a liquid omega-3 supplement that tastes like an orange creamsicle and is enjoyed by adults and children alike.*

Vegan Omega-3 Power

Vegan Omega-3 Power is a vegan algal oil capsule, customized for children and adults. It supplies clinically effective doses of omega-3s (700 mg EPA and 300 mg DHA), nutrients that are practically vitamins since the body can’t make them in the sufficient amounts needed to meet its requirements.

Many vegetarians supplement with flax seed, chia seed, or hemp seed oils, which contain the omega-3 ALA. It’s possible for the body to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, but it’s a difficult process. EPA and DHA, typically found in fish, are the only forms of omega-3 the body readily uses.

A superior alternative to flax oil, Vegan Omega-3 Power features natural oil from marine algae – a direct source of vegan EPA and DHA. This highly concentrated formula rivals fish oil in its purity and potency.*

Get Your EPA and DHA Today

Getting adequate amounts of EPA and DHA is a great way to improve overall brain and body function and well-being.

While it’s possible to get some omega-3s from your diet, those who don’t regularly consume fish and vegans may benefit from taking a high EPA and DHA omega-3 supplement such as BrainMD’s Omega-3 Power, Omega-3 Power Squeeze, and Vegan Omega-3 Power.*

Try them today!

At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.

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Keith Rowe

Keith has been a member of the BrainMD team for several years, providing his research and writing talents. Keith is grateful to have the opportunity to write about supplements since many of them have made a dramatic difference in his life. He is often heard around the office saying, “We have supplements for that.”