How they differ
- EPA: Omega-3 studied for selected cardiovascular and inflammatory outcomes
- DHA: Omega-3 that is a structural component of brain and retina
Ingredient comparison
EPA vs DHA
Outcome, dose, ratio, and product type determine relevance.
| Comparison point | EPA | DHA |
| Common purpose | Omega-3 studied for selected cardiovascular and inflammatory outcomes | Omega-3 that is a structural component of brain and retina |
| Evidence context | Outcome, dose, ratio, and product type determine relevance. | Outcome, dose, ratio, and product type determine relevance. |
| Common forms | Products may contain fish oil, krill oil, cod liver oil, algal oil, triglyceride-form oil, or ethyl esters. Labels should state EPA and DHA amounts separately. | Products may contain fish oil, krill oil, cod liver oil, algal oil, triglyceride-form oil, or ethyl esters. Labels should state EPA and DHA amounts separately. |
| Important limitations | Evidence for one form, amount, population or outcome does not prove that every finished product works the same way. | Evidence for one form, amount, population or outcome does not prove that every finished product works the same way. |
| Safety context | Both can affect bleeding risk at high exposure and may interact with medicines. | Both can affect bleeding risk at high exposure and may interact with medicines. |
| Who should be cautious | People with bleeding disorders, atrial fibrillation, fish or shellfish allergy, or upcoming surgery should seek individualized advice. | People with bleeding disorders, atrial fibrillation, fish or shellfish allergy, or upcoming surgery should seek individualized advice. |
Safety first
Both can affect bleeding risk at high exposure and may interact with medicines.
Read the exact product label and do not use this comparison as personal dosing advice.