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DE
Fatty acid

Docosapentaenoic acid

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that sits between EPA and DHA in the body's metabolism. It occurs in fatty fish and fish oil.

Also listed as DPA, Clupanodonic acid, DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid)

Hair & SkinOrgan FunctionBone & JointImmune SupportLongevity

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Skin InflammationHair & SkinSmallCNo linked study
InflammationSmallCNo linked study
Eye HealthOrgan FunctionSmallCNo linked study
Joint MobilityBone & JointSmallCNo linked study
Immune SupportSmallCNo linked study
Oxidative stressLongevitySmallCNo linked study
All 8 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

Is DPA another name for DHA?

No. This page covers n-3 docosapentaenoic acid, or omega-3 DPA, a distinct long-chain fatty acid. Human experiments suggest it can serve as a reservoir for other long-chain omega-3 fats. 1

Why people take it

Cardiovascular23.9%
Cognition21.9%
Essential Health21.6%
Immune Support12.4%
Longevity8.2%
Bone & Joint5.3%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Is DPA identical to EPA?

No. The human metabolism study tested them separately and found different incorporation patterns. 1

Does a blood-marker change prove a health benefit?

No. The short DPA experiment measured fatty-acid changes, not disease outcomes. 1

Does EFSA’s 250 mg heart-function value apply to DPA alone?

No. The cited opinion’s conclusion specifies EPA and DHA. 2

Sources