Eicosapentaenoic Acid
| Basics |
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Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) is one of the essential omega-3 fatty acids. Cells in every part of the body need essential fatty acids to maintain their thin, fatty, outer membrane, which is needed to transport nutrients in and out of the cell, produce energy, and manufacture hormones. The brain in particular has a high concentration of essential fatty acids and other fats necessary for proper nerve function and cognitive development.
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| Remedy For |
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Rheumatoid arthritis.
Joint Pain.
Certain types of cancer.
Diabetes.
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| Prevention |
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Thrombotic disorders (disorder related to clotting of blood).
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| Usage Directions |
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For normal, healthy persons, an average daily dose is 300 to 600 mg of supplemental EPA plus DHA. Most nutritionally oriented doctors believe people do not eat enough omega-3 oil.
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| Sources |
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EPA is found in mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, albacore tuna, and wild game. Cod liver oil contains large amounts of EPA. Meat and eggs also are lesser source of EPA. Alpha linolenic acid found in flaxseed, hemp seed, and soybean oil is a precursor for EPA.
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| Possible Side Effects |
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Gastrointestinal upset has been experienced in some cases even after the recommended intake of EPA.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or which is especially bothersome.
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| Overdose |
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Acute overdose: Gastrointestinal upset, and burp up a "fishy" smell.
Chronic overdose: None
What to do:
For an acute overdose, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately. For symptoms of chronic overdose, contact your doctor.
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| Caution |
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If you have a medical condition, however, that causes you to bleed excessively; you should talk to your doctor before taking essential fatty acids.
If you’re taking anticoagulant drugs like warfarin (Coumadin) for a heart condition, the blood-thinning effects of EFAs could theoretically present a hazard.
For the same reason, combining EFAs with aspirin should be approached with caution. Check with a nutritionally oriented doctor before taking more than 3 or 4 grams of fish oil for several months.
Because cod liver oil has very high levels of vitamins A and D, this source of EPA needs to be approached with caution.
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