Eicosapentaenoic Acid Unit Converter

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with 20 carbon atoms and five double bonds. It is one of the two major marine omega-3 fatty acids, alongside DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

A serum or plasma EPA test measures the concentration of this fatty acid in your blood, reflecting your recent omega-3 intake over the past few days. Red blood cell membrane EPA, by contrast, reflects intake over the preceding three to four months.

EPA plays a central role in controlling inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health. It is also a precursor to specialized pro-resolving mediators called resolvins, which help the body actively resolve inflammatory responses.

EPA comes primarily from dietary sources, especially cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. The body can also convert the plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into EPA, but this conversion is very inefficient (roughly 5-10%), making direct dietary intake the main determinant of blood levels.