EPA
fatty acid
ApprovedGeneral information about nutrients. No diagnosis, no medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.
Overview
Omega-3 fatty acid found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and herring. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.
Top 5 food sources
Expert opinions
Dr. Peter Attia
Attia writes that he targets a red-blood-cell EPA + DHA level (omega-3 index) of at least 8 % in his patients, ideally above 10 %. This is a blood-level target, not a daily dose.
Source: Peter Attia on X (@PeterAttiaMD) · as of 2021-04-24
Dr. Andrew Huberman
Huberman names 1 to 3 g EPA daily (within 2 to 4 g total EPA+DHA). He prefers EPA-dominant fish oils in triglyceride form with morning dosing alongside fat to maximize incorporation into membranes. Pairs it with phosphatidylserine and vitamin D3.
Recommended dose: 1000–2000 mg EPA
Source: Huberman Lab
Current Research
EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart. Triglyceride-form (rTG) fish oils achieve about 70 % higher incorporation than ethyl-ester forms.
Source: Current Research
Bryan Johnson Blueprint
Johnson takes approximately 800 mg EPA as part of a total 2 to 3 g omega-3 daily, targeting an omega-3 index above 8 %. He uses high-quality triglyceride-form or rTG fish oil tested for rancidity (TOTOX). Quarterly omega-3 index and oxidized-LDL testing guide dose adjustments.
Recommended dose: 1000+ mg EPA
Source: Blueprint Protocol
Dr. Rhonda Patrick
Patrick is a strong advocate for omega-3 index testing, targeting ≥8 % and recommending 2 to 4 g combined EPA+DHA for most adults, more for APOE4 carriers. Recommends third-party-tested fish oil or algal EPA with verified TOTOX below 10.
Recommended dose: 2000+ mg EPA+DHA
Source: FoundMyFitness
Expert profiles summarise publicly available statements. The named people do not cooperate with Stackwell and have not authorised these summaries. Not medical advice.
Usual supplement amounts are 1 to 3 g of EPA and DHA combined. A total daily intake of 5 g EPA and DHA combined from supplements should not be exceeded.