We examined the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, on high cholesterol levels. In a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, we looked at studies involving at least 2 grams of EPA or its counterpart, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Both EPA and DHA were found to lower triglyceride levels, with DHA appearing slightly more effective. Interestingly, we also saw that DHA increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is known to promote heart health, while EPA does so as well, but to a lesser extent.
On the flip side, DHA has been observed to increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but it also enhances the size of LDL particles, making them less likely to contribute to artery blockages. Moreover, we noted that DHA might be more effective than EPA in reducing heart rate and blood pressure, which are essential factors in heart health.
Although both EPA and DHA show potential in promoting heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, the variations in their effects can make things complicated. We found that the evidence comparing EPA and DHA directly is limited, and more high-quality research is necessary to better understand their individual impacts on cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk factors.
Overall, while EPA has beneficial effects on cholesterol, further studies are needed to isolate these effects clearly from those of DHA.