EPA and DHA

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Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Brain Function


EPA Molecule	DHA Molecule

Function v Structure

At first glance, these molecules look very similar. But they play very different roles, and choosing the right one is crucial...

Eicosapentaenoic Acid 20:5n-3		Docosahexanoic Acid 22:6n-3
Essential for the moment-to-moment neuronal cell signalling		Forms the structure of neuronal membranes during the first two years of life
Raw material for prostaglandins: hormones that assist in anti-inflammatory and the immune system		Crucial for early visual development, during pregnancy and infancy. Studies have shown links between babies’ DHA intake, and increased visual acuteness
Inhibits enzymes that attack other highly unsaturated fatty acids		EPA can convert easily to DHA if required but DHA tends not to retro convert to EPA easily
Significant evidence that it can assist learning ability including attention, working memory and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) with associated learning and behavioural difficulties		No efficacy recorded from pure DHA in children for learning, but benefits have been found in similar trials using a combination of EPA and DHA
Proven to assist in mental and cardiovascular health, and with an apparent role in enhancing mood		No role in creating prostaglandins, which assist metabolic functions in the body

Conclusion:

DHA is important during pregnancy and early infancy for brain and eye development.

EPA is crucial from early childhood and throughout life, particularly for optimum brain function.

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