What Is Docosapentaenoic Acid, DPA (22:5 n-3) & What Foods Can I Find It In?

3D-model of Docosapentaenoic acid, DPA (22:5 n-3) (src)

Docosapentaenoic Acid, DPA, 22:5 n-3, also known as clupanodonic acid.

It’s a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid.

DPA is structurally similar to eicosapentaenoic acid EPA.

DPA is the most abundant long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in the brain, after DHA.

It could be specifically beneficial for elderly neuroprotection and early-life development.

Table of Contents

DPA, Abundant In Fish Oils

Docosapentaenoic acid, commonly called DPA, is an essential long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, which is known to be found in fish oils. (source )

Docosapentaenoic acid works as an intermediary between eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA 20:5, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, 22:6. (source )

DPA For Your Health

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are well known for their important role in human diets. Docosapentaenoic acid is a vital part of healthy nutrition.

DPA possesses many health benefits. Read about them in Docosapentaenoic Acid, DPA (22:5 n-3): 11 Research-Backed Benefits

It’s important for the development of infants. They get a lot of DPA from breast milk. (source )

DPA Deficiency

Deficiency of docosapentaenoic acid is common in Western diets. (source )

Deficiency during active periods of brain development is associated with the pathophysiology of different psychiatric disorders.

Deficiency may also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. (source )

Foods You Can Find Docosapentaenoic Acid, DPA (22:5 n-3) In

You find Docosapentaenoic Acid, DPA (22:5 n-3) mostly in oils from american indian and alaska native food, seafood, and beef.

Examples of food sources include

Foods in our nutrition tool

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If you are interested in what foods contain the most Docosapentaenoic Acid, DPA (22:5 n-3) we recommend you visit our tool.

Here's our top ranked list of foods that contain Docosapentaenoic Acid, DPA (22:5 n-3).

Sara Niemelä

co-founder Care Omnia, Head Content Creator

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Nutrition is my passion. I've spent thousands upon thousands of hours reading, analyzing, categorizing and comparing research studies.

I’m a wife and a mother of three. I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, and spending time with my family.