On the path of pursuing physical and mental health, EPA in Omega-3 fatty acids is emerging as a new natural therapy option for improving emotional problems. A large number of clinical studies have confirmed that high concentration EPA has a significant effect on alleviating emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.
EPA can cross the blood-brain barrier and exert positive effects through multiple pathways such as inhibiting neuroinflammation, regulating neurotransmitter signal transduction, and promoting neural plasticity [1]. Its unique anti-inflammatory mechanism lies in the fact that EPA is the sole precursor of E-series resoluins in the specific pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) family, which can actively initiate the inflammatory “regression” program and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules [2,3].
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 (including 10 RCTs) showed that when the EPA concentration was ≥60%, it could significantly reduce the severity of depression. The therapeutic effect is best when the daily intake of EPA is within the range of 1 to 2 grams [4]. The latest large-scale meta-analysis (36 RCTS) further found that the total daily intake of EPA was significantly positively correlated with the clinical remission rate of depression [5]. The International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research (ISNPR) practice guidelines clearly recommend taking a pure EPA preparation containing 1-2 grams of EPA or a combination with an EPA/DHA ratio greater than 2:1 daily as an effective solution for improving depression [6]. It is worth noting that research shows that the therapeutic effect of the EPA component alone is superior to that of the EPA+DHA mixed preparation.
Choosing high-purity EPA fish oil is of crucial. The third-generation fish oil technology can achieve an EPA purity of over 90%, ensuring the bioavailability of active ingredients. For individuals with emotional distress, especially those with low levels of EPA in their bodies, supplementing 1-2 grams of high-purity EPA daily for 8-12 weeks can lead to significant improvement. Based on sufficient evidence-based medical evidence, high-purity EPA has become an effective natural therapy option for improving emotional problems, offering new hope for patients seeking alternative drug alternatine.
[1]Yu Q, Li H, Chen M, et al. GPR120 internalization: a key mechanism for EPA in antidepressant action[J]. Food Funct, 2025, 16(7): 2893-2908.
[2]Arterburn LM, Hall EB, Oken H. Distribution, interconversion, and dose response of n-3 fatty acids in humans[J]. Am J Clin Nutr, 2006, 83(6 Suppl): 1467s-1476s.
[3]Serhan CN, Levy BD. Resolvins in inflammation: emergence of the pro-resolving superfamily of mediators[J]. J Clin Invest, 2018, 128(7): 2657-2669.
[4]Kelaiditis CF, Gibson EL, Dyall SC. Effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on reducing anxiety and/or depression in adults; A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials[J]. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, 2023, 192: 102572.
[5]Kong L, Zhang Q, Wang H, et al. Exploration of the optimized portrait of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in treating depression: A meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials[J]. J Affect Disord, 2025, 379: 489-501.
[6]Guu TW, Mischoulon D, Sarris J, et al. International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research Practice Guidelines for Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder[J]. Psychother Psychosom, 2019, 88(5): 263-273.
