Docosapentaenoic Acid Unit Converter

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with 22 carbons and 5 double bonds (C22:5n-3). It sits between EPA and DHA in the omega-3 metabolic pathway, acting as the direct elongation product of EPA and the immediate precursor to DHA.

DPA is the third most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in blood after DHA and EPA, typically accounting for roughly 19% of the combined EPA, DPA, and DHA pool in plasma. Blood levels of DPA are comparable to EPA levels.

Although often overshadowed by EPA and DHA, DPA has documented independent biological activity, including unique anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects not shared by the other two omega-3s.

Most DPA in the body is produced endogenously by elongation of EPA, with smaller amounts obtained directly from fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), seal oil, and grass-fed red meat. DPA can also retroconvert back to EPA, functioning as a circulating reservoir that buffers both EPA and DHA levels depending on cellular needs.