eicosapentaenoic acid

Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA.

“In our clinic, we emphasize the consumption of DHA and, in somewhat lesser amounts, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA,” he said.

Seafood is thought to help the heart because of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, or eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which are found at high levels in certain types of fish.

"I would be really sad to see people abandon getting enough DHA or EPA because of a study," said MacKay, referring to eicosapentaenoic acid, another omega-3.

The dose of omega-3 fatty acid in many of the research studies included 180 milligrams of eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 milligrams of docosahexaenoic acid, taken twice a day.