EPA 

Natural Nutritional

Supplement

Other common names:  Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Fish Oil, Essential Fatty Acid

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) is one of several Omega-3 Fatty Acids that are the body's basic building blocks and essential for normal growth and development and is a well studied substance, famous for its heart healthy actions.  EPA has been shown to help in blood pressure regulation, prevention of blood clots, anti-inflammation and blood vessel dilation.  EPA may also help in reducing mood swings and in the treatment of ADHD.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
EPA, or Eicosapentaenoic Acid, is one of the Omega-3 Fatty Acids (or oils), and they are highly polyunsaturated fatty acids found in abundance in fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna. They are also found in plant sources such as canola oil, wheat germ oil, flaxseed and walnuts. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are metabolized in the body into prostaglandins and metabolic byproducts known as eicosanoids.  The function and regulation of eicosanoid metabolism is complex, but it is known that they function as short-term, locally-acting hormones.  Some eicosanoids have been determined to stimulate growth hormone secretion, which promotes muscle growth, while others may have beneficial effects on heart metabolism.  EPAs are involved in blood pressure regulation, blood clotting, the inflammatory process and blood vessel dilation, all of which have implications for heart health.  A number of scientific studies suggest that diets high in Omega-3 oils, and thus EPA, may protect against the development of heart disease, attention deficit disorder, arthritis, colitis and other inflammatory diseases.  It has been also been shown that EPA can reduce triglyceride levels in the blood.  A major heart protective effect of EPA is its action in reducing the likelihood of blood clot formation.  A recent study in the Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that ten grams of fish oil per day, which increases the intake of EPA, is effective in preventing the dramatic mood swings commonly observed in depression.  Such results hold promise for treating other disorders such as ADHD.  EPA is particularly useful as a heart protective dietary supplement for people who do not consume adequate amounts of foods, such as fish, which are rich sources of the substance..

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are not recommended for people who take anti-coagulant (blood thinning) medicine (Coumarin, aspirin, etc.) or prescription heart medicine. Those who take prescription mood altering drugs should avoid Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Speak with your doctor before taking Omega-3 if you have a bleeding disorder (hemophilia, thrombocytopenia) or diabetes. Omega-3 oils, a source of EPA, can be high in vitamin A and vitamin D, and taking more than 25,000 IU of vitamin A per day, or 800 IU of vitamin D per day is not advised while you are taking EPA.