Omega-3 DPA Unit Converter

Omega-3 DPA (docosapentaenoic acid, 22:5n-3) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that sits between EPA and DHA in the metabolic pathway. It is the third most abundant omega-3 in fish oil, though present in smaller amounts than its better-known relatives.

DPA can be converted by the body into either EPA or DHA as needed, making it a versatile reservoir of omega-3 fatty acids. Infants receive nearly as much DPA as DHA from human breast milk, highlighting its importance in early development.

Blood levels are typically expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids, reflecting dietary intake and the body's ability to synthesize DPA from EPA.

DPA is obtained primarily from dietary sources including oily fish, fish oil supplements, and grass-fed red meat. The body can also synthesize small amounts of DPA by elongating EPA.