drtbear1967
Musclechemistry Board Certified Member
Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) are omega 3 fatty acids naturally found in fish that have several positive effects on the body. They are called “omega 3” bc the double bonds start on carbon 3 if you start with the end or “omega” carbon. Omega 3 fatty acids(FA) are anti-inflammatory vs omega 6 which are pro-inflammatory, although both are present in fish oils. EPA and DHA are components of cell membranes and may help prevent damage caused from free radicals. Both FA have anti-inflammatory mechanisms, including inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-a, NF-kB, IL-7 and DHA coverts to Neuroprotectin D1, which has many neuroprotective properties including anti-Alzheimer’s actions. Fish oils also interact with PPAR receptors which help regulate energy expenditure and glucose/lipid metabolism, which may help with weight loss and blood sugar regulation.
One of the main benefits of these 2 FA are for brain function and development. High phospholipid concentrations(from DHA) has been correlated with memory processing, improved verbal skills, brain mass(from EPA)and overall cognitive function. EPA also has a positive effect on depression, I assume from the anti-inflammatory properties. DHA/EPA can improve heart health and lower triglycerides via inhibiting CETP(cholesterol transporter).Fish oils have been shown to reduce LDL and triglycerides 15-30%. More health benefits from FA may be from increases in AMPK, which may increase SIRT1 expression(associated with lifespan). The benefits of DHA/EPA will be too long to cover in this post(skin,eyes,pancreas,hormones, insulin, ect)but fish oils(krill) are one of my supplement staples and I think everyone should be using them. Daily doses of fish oils is 4-6g, with DHA/EPA around 2-4g.
One of the main benefits of these 2 FA are for brain function and development. High phospholipid concentrations(from DHA) has been correlated with memory processing, improved verbal skills, brain mass(from EPA)and overall cognitive function. EPA also has a positive effect on depression, I assume from the anti-inflammatory properties. DHA/EPA can improve heart health and lower triglycerides via inhibiting CETP(cholesterol transporter).Fish oils have been shown to reduce LDL and triglycerides 15-30%. More health benefits from FA may be from increases in AMPK, which may increase SIRT1 expression(associated with lifespan). The benefits of DHA/EPA will be too long to cover in this post(skin,eyes,pancreas,hormones, insulin, ect)but fish oils(krill) are one of my supplement staples and I think everyone should be using them. Daily doses of fish oils is 4-6g, with DHA/EPA around 2-4g.
