Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Omega-3 fatty acids are widely suggested for heart health. The majority of research compares DHA and EPA together rather than separately. The few trials that have tested DHA alone suggest that it may be more beneficial than EPA in improving various heart health parameters. In one trial, daily doses of 2,700 mg of DHA for 10 weeks boosted the omega-3 index — a blood marker of omega-3 levels linked to a lower risk of sudden heart death — by 5.6% in 154 obese people. The same daily dose of EPA increased participants' omega-3 index by only 3.3%.

DHA significantly reduced blood triglycerides more than EPA (13.3% vs. 11.9%) and boosted "good" HDL cholesterol by 7.6% vs. EPA's modest reduction. Notably, DHA raises "bad" LDL cholesterol levels, but primarily the amount of large, fluffy LDL particles, which, unlike small, compact LDL particles, aren't associated with an increased risk of heart disease.