EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid is an essential Omega 3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid found in oily fish, that is recognised by health authorities as having profound health benefits for the mind and body, and yet most of us are not getting enough EPA in our diets. Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA is an equally important essential fatty acid, however, research suggests that it competes with EPA and can reduce its effectiveness. Also, when we receive enough EPA, the body can convert it into DHA as required.
There are a great number of fish oils on the market containing various combinations of EPA and DHA and at different strengths, with no universally accepted agreement as to what represents an optimum dose. Studies indicate that somewhere in the region of 1000 mg of EPA taken on a daily basis is enough to make a significant difference to health.