{"id":11419690,"date":"2026-10-21T15:16:38","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T12:16:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/epa-vs-dha\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T16:23:34","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T13:23:34","slug":"epa-vs-dha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/","title":{"rendered":"EPA vs DHA: 6 Points That Explain What Each Omega-3 Does"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#Why_EPA_vs_DHA_matters\" >Why EPA vs DHA matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#1_What_are_EPA_and_DHA\" >1. What are EPA and DHA?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#2_EPA_vs_DHA_different_main_jobs\" >2. EPA vs DHA: different main jobs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#3_EPA_triglycerides_and_inflammation\" >3. EPA, triglycerides and inflammation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#4_DHA_the_brain_the_eyes_and_pregnancy\" >4. DHA, the brain, the eyes and pregnancy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#5_EPA_vs_DHA_on_our_product_labels\" >5. EPA vs DHA on our product labels<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#6_Using_EPA_vs_DHA_when_you_choose\" >6. Using EPA vs DHA when you choose<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#EPA_vs_DHA_in_food\" >EPA vs DHA in food<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#Safety_of_EPA_and_DHA_supplements\" >Safety of EPA and DHA supplements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#FAQ_EPA_vs_DHA\" >FAQ: EPA vs DHA<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#Which_one_is_better\" >Which one is better?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#Do_plant_omega-3s_give_EPA_and_DHA\" >Do plant omega-3s give EPA and DHA?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#Does_DHA_help_memory_in_older_adults\" >Does DHA help memory in older adults?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/epa-vs-dha\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"top\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_EPA_vs_DHA_matters\"><\/span>Why EPA vs DHA matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Every omega-3 label lists two numbers: EPA and DHA. Understanding <strong>EPA vs DHA<\/strong> helps you read that label and compare products, instead of judging by capsule weight. A 1,000 mg softgel does not mean 1,000 mg of omega-3. Here are 6 short points.<\/p>\n<p>For the basics of omega-3 and its food sources, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/jointace-omega-3-guide\/\">omega-3 guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_are_EPA_and_DHA\"><\/span>1. What are EPA and DHA?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>EPA is eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA is docosahexaenoic acid. Both are long-chain omega-3 fats found mainly in oily fish and algae. ALA, the omega-3 in flaxseed and walnuts, converts to EPA and only very slightly to DHA in the body, so plant sources cannot fully replace them.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_EPA_vs_DHA_different_main_jobs\"><\/span>2. EPA vs DHA: different main jobs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>EPA:<\/strong> a building block for signalling molecules that help regulate inflammation, and it helps lower triglycerides.<\/li>\n<li><strong>DHA:<\/strong> a structural part of cell membranes in the brain and the retina of the eye.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This EPA vs DHA split is a useful simplification. In reality the two work together, and both lower triglycerides at sufficient doses. DHA may raise LDL cholesterol slightly in some people, while EPA alone does not seem to.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_EPA_triglycerides_and_inflammation\"><\/span>3. EPA, triglycerides and inflammation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>EPA gained attention through the REDUCE-IT trial, which used icosapent ethyl, a prescription medicine made of purified EPA, at 4 g a day. In high-risk patients on statins with raised triglycerides, it reduced cardiovascular events. In the EPA vs DHA story that is a key trial, but it is a prescription drug, and its result cannot be assumed for ordinary fish oil capsules. For the full picture read <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/omega-3-for-heart-health\/\">omega-3 for heart health<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_DHA_the_brain_the_eyes_and_pregnancy\"><\/span>4. DHA, the brain, the eyes and pregnancy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>DHA makes up a large share of the fat in the brain and retina, and the baby needs it most in late pregnancy. Expert groups advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to get at least about 200 mg of DHA a day, from low-mercury fish or a supplement chosen with their doctor. Evidence that DHA improves memory in healthy adults is still limited.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_EPA_vs_DHA_on_our_product_labels\"><\/span>5. EPA vs DHA on our product labels<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 14px 0;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; background: #f3f6f4; text-align: left;\">Product and daily dose<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; background: #f3f6f4; text-align: left;\">EPA<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; background: #f3f6f4; text-align: left;\">DHA<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; background: #f3f6f4; text-align: left;\">Total EPA + DHA per day<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; background: #f3f6f4; text-align: left;\">Extras<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/now-cod-liver-oil-1000-mg-90-softgels\/\">NOW Cod Liver Oil 1000 mg<\/a>: 1 softgel with a meal<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">70 mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">100 mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">170 mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">Vitamin A 300 mcg RAE and vitamin D3 400 IU<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/now-ultra-omega-3-fish-oil-90-softgels\/\">NOW Ultra Omega-3<\/a>: 1 softgel with food<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">500 mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">250 mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">750 mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">No added vitamins, enteric coated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/now-ultra-omega-3-fish-oil-90-softgels\/\">NOW Ultra Omega-3<\/a>: 2 softgels with food<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">1,000 mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">500 mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">1,500 mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;\">Upper end of the label dose<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Looking at EPA vs DHA on these labels, <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/now-ultra-omega-3-fish-oil-90-softgels\/\">NOW Ultra Omega-3<\/a> is EPA-rich, at a 2 to 1 ratio. <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/now-cod-liver-oil-1000-mg-90-softgels\/\">NOW Cod Liver Oil<\/a> has slightly more DHA than EPA but a small total, plus vitamins A and D. For the full comparison read <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/cod-liver-oil-vs-fish-oil\/\">cod liver oil vs fish oil<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Using_EPA_vs_DHA_when_you_choose\"><\/span>6. Using EPA vs DHA when you choose<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>If your doctor suggests omega-3 for high triglycerides, the total EPA plus DHA matters more than capsule weight.<\/li>\n<li>Pregnant women need DHA but should avoid high vitamin A products without medical advice.<\/li>\n<li>If you eat oily fish twice a week, you may not need a supplement at all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"EPA_vs_DHA_in_food\"><\/span>EPA vs DHA in food<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Oily fish contain both fats in different ratios. Salmon and mackerel are rich in DHA, while sardines and anchovies also supply plenty of EPA. You do not need to count EPA vs DHA at every meal; eating oily fish twice a week covers most healthy adults. People who never eat fish can discuss a suitable supplement with a pharmacist, taking their other medicines into account. Algae oil is an option for vegetarians, mainly providing DHA.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safety_of_EPA_and_DHA_supplements\"><\/span>Safety of EPA and DHA supplements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Usual doses are generally well tolerated. The most common effects are a fishy taste, burping and mild stomach upset. Higher doses may increase bleeding with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs and have been linked to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation. Do not exceed the label dose without a doctor, and avoid these products if you have a fish allergy.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_EPA_vs_DHA\"><\/span>FAQ: EPA vs DHA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_one_is_better\"><\/span>Which one is better?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Neither is better in every case. The choice depends on your goal and your doctor&#8217;s advice, and most products combine both.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_plant_omega-3s_give_EPA_and_DHA\"><\/span>Do plant omega-3s give EPA and DHA?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Flaxseed gives ALA, which converts poorly. Algae oil provides DHA directly.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_DHA_help_memory_in_older_adults\"><\/span>Does DHA help memory in older adults?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The evidence is not conclusive. A healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups matter more.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In short, the EPA vs DHA difference is this: EPA leans toward triglycerides and inflammation, DHA toward brain, eyes and pregnancy, and the two complement each other. Read the label, add up the daily total and stick to the recommended dose. Both NOW products are available at No Style Like pharmacy, and older readers may also find our <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/healthy-aging-guide\/\">healthy aging guide<\/a> useful.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.95em; color: #555; margin-top: 18px;\">This article was reviewed by the No Style Like pharmacy content team. It is for general awareness only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.95em; color: #555;\">Do not exceed the label dose, and tell your doctor if you take blood thinners. For more information see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/omega3-supplements-what-you-need-to-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">the NCCIH page on omega-3 supplements<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>EPA vs DHA explained: EPA for triglycerides and inflammation, DHA for brain, eyes and pregnancy, and how to read an omega-3 supplement label.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":86,"featured_media":11419687,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42204],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11419690","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dietary-supplements"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11419690","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/86"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11419690"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11419690\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11419915,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11419690\/revisions\/11419915"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11419687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11419690"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11419690"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11419690"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}