What Is Heneicosapentaenoic Acid (21:5) & What Foods Can I Find It In?

3D-model of Heneicosapentaenoic acid (21:5) (src)

Heneicosapentaenoic acid, HPA, 21:5, is a polyunsaturated conjugated fatty acid.

Its chemical composition is similar to eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA.

(EPA has been implicated in a wide range of biological activities including immunomodulation, cardiovascular and anti-cancer effects.)

HPA is found in small amounts in fish oils.

Because of the small amounts of HPA, it is unlikely that this fatty acid is of particular significance for the biological effects from these oils.

Heneicosapentaenoic Acid In Fish Oils

21:5 or heneicosapentaenoic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. (source )

Heneicosapentaenoic acid can be found in small amounts in fish oils, but also in the green alga B. pennata. (source )

Fish oils are known to contain the fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA.

But heneicosapentaenoic acid, has also been identified. (source)

Uses Of Heneicosapentaenoic Acid

Heneicosapentaenoic acid can be an important biomarker for neuropsychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression.

It has also been tried in a new class of antidepressant drugs.

Heneicosapentaenoic acid might also serve as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Foods You Can Find Heneicosapentaenoic Acid (21:5) In

You find Heneicosapentaenoic Acid (21:5) mostly in american indian and alaska native food products.

Examples of food sources include

Foods That Contain Heneicosapentaenoic Acid (21:5) In Our Nutrition Tool

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If you are interested in what foods contain the most Heneicosapentaenoic Acid (21:5) we recommend you visit our tool.

Here's our top ranked list of foods that contain Heneicosapentaenoic Acid (21:5).

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.