This acronym reminds us how the "EPA is formed by a chain of 20 carbon atoms with 5 unsaturation points (double bonds), the first of which is located between the third and fourth carbon atom starting from the terminal omega end. (or methyl).
We are therefore talking about a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid, belonging to the omega-three family.
Natural sources of EPA
The ability to synthesize eicosapentaenoic acid is peculiar to microalgae, both fresh and salt water. This nutrient is then accumulated in the meat of fish that feed on phytoplankton; the meat of fatty fish that populate cold marine waters, such as cod, salmon, tuna and mackerel, but also herring, sardines and blue fish in general are particularly rich in it.
Also present in breast milk, EPA is even more abundant in the oil obtained from these fish, while it is scarce in freshwater fish species.
For vegetarians, an important source of EPA is represented by algae, in particular by cyanobacteria (eg spirulina and klamath algae).
Eicosapentaenoic acid is not found in higher plants, although it has been found in trace amounts in purslane or common porcelain, a weed.
In some oilseeds, and in the oil obtained from them, we find instead excellent concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid 18: 3 (ω-3), which - albeit with some difficulty - can be converted by the human organism into acid eicosapentaenoic.This is the case of linseed oil and the seeds from which it is obtained, hemp oil and canola oil.
The EPA, together with the DHA, has been particularly successful in the management of different morbid states, of an inflammatory and pro-oxidant nature.
Both of these fatty acids (EPA and AA) are incorporated in the form of phospholipids in the plasma membrane of the cells, that is, in that "famous" phospholipid bilayer which - by distributing itself on the external surface of the cells - regulates the "entry and exit" of the various cellular metabolites. (nutrients, hormones, waste substances etc.).
In the presence of tissue damage, enzymes belonging to the class of phospholipases A2 (PLA2) free the arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, making it the target of other enzymes that originate the so-called "bad" eicosanoids (a bit "as for LDL cholesterol, the "bad" attribute is however misleading, since these substances, actually essential for health, become harmful only when present in excess).
Eicosanoids influence numerous bodily functions and it is therefore important that they are kept in balance with each other thanks to an "adequate presence of their precursors.
Now, while arachidonic acid - mostly of meat origin, but also derived from linoleic acid (18: 2 ω-6) of which olive and seed oils are rich - is abundantly represented in Western nutrition , alpha linolenic acid and even more so eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are often deficient due to insufficient consumption of fish or algae.
The resulting chronic pro-inflammatory state could therefore favor the exacerbation of all those diseases in which the inflammatory component is involved in the origin and maintenance of the pathological process (eg. Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic ulcerative colitis, lupus, inflammatory disease pelvic, atherosclerosis, etc.).
Not surprisingly, the use of EPA-based drugs and supplements has proved to be potentially useful in the treatment of numerous ailments and diseases, such as:
- Hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia;
- Atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease
- Neurodegenerative disorders;
- Premenstrual syndrome;
- Inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
From the studies currently available, valuable information would emerge on the real usefulness of this nutrient.
EPA and inflammatory diseases
Adequate use of EPA has been shown to be effective, both in experimental models and in noteworthy clinical trials, in reducing the concentrations of inflammatory markers, such as cytokines and leukotrienes.
Considering the pathogenic role of these mediators in the development of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and inflammatory bowel diseases, the use of EPA would have very interesting repercussions on the clinical course of these diseases.
EPA and neurodegenerative diseases
Several authors argue the usefulness of EPA supplementation in delaying the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, senile dementia and multiple sclerosis.
The improvement of cognitive, behavioral, relational and motor skills, would derive precisely from the protective action of the EPA against the nerve membranes subjected to the damaging action of the reactive oxygen species.
EPA and metabolic diseases
The metabolic activities of EPA are well characterized.
In addition to the well-known hypotiglyceridemic and hypocholesterolemic effect, valuable in reducing cardiovascular risk, the adequate use of EPA would also seem to bring appreciable advantages towards glucose metabolism. This effect would be linked to a sensitizing action towards the insulin signal.
For supplementary purposes, the administration of 500-1,000 mg of EPA per day is generally recommended.
Taken together, three grams of EPA and DHA per day (total intake) are generally considered to be safe for health. , diarrhea, belching and fish-flavored regurgitation, following the intake of EPA extracted from fish liver oil.
At maximum dosages, the use of EPA could increase the risk of bleeding, especially in predisposed patients.
, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, garlic and ginkgo biloba could increase the risk of bleeding for a dual antiplatelet effect.
This risk would be potentially more serious in case of concomitant intake of oral anticoagulants (coumadin, sintrom, acenocoumarol).
In the latter case, given the presence of contradictory studies, it would be very important to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio with your doctor.
, during lactation and in the first years of life should be supervised by medical personnel.The same attention should be paid to patients on drug therapy with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
The use of EPA should be discontinued before surgery, due to the increased risk of bleeding.
