Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 19 Researches
7.6
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 6 Reviews
7.5
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
10
 
Total Fat
1 g
1%*
Polyunsaturated Fat
1 g
Fish Oil Concentrate
1 g (1,000 mg)
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
500 mg
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
250 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

We explored how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, influences blood clotting processes. The interest in EPA grew substantially after the 1970s when researchers Dyerberg and Bang noted that Greenland Eskimos had lower rates of coronary disease linked to their diet rich in marine lipids.

Their findings suggested that the higher levels of EPA led to reduced platelet aggregation, which essentially means that the blood clots less easily. This anti-clotting effect is significant since blood clots can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes.

Although studies have shown these promising effects, it’s crucial to note that much of the initial acclaim came from dietary observations rather than controlled clinical trials. This means that while we can relate high EPA intake to lower health risks in specific populations, we still need more rigorous studies to fully understand the impact of EPA on blood clotting across diverse groups.
Read More
We explored the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), particularly in the context of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), on blood clotting. The study highlighted how different subclasses of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), particularly HDL2 from ACS patients, interact with platelets during clot formation.

It became clear that HDL2 from ACS patients exhibited a stronger ability to inhibit platelet aggregation compared to HDL from healthy individuals. This ability to reduce clot formation is linked to the presence of specific oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids in the HDL2 particles.

We observed an inverse relationship between several oxidized fatty acids, such as 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) and others, and platelet aggregation. This means that higher levels of these oxidized fats were associated with less platelet activation and clotting, pointing to their potential role in enhancing the antithrombotic properties of HDL2 in ACS patients.

Overall, the findings suggest that EPA and its oxidized metabolites could play a key role in modifying HDL properties, thereby offering some protection against blood clots in individuals with ACS.
Read More
8
DHA may reduce blood clots
We delved into the benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in relation to blood clotting, especially in the context of cardiovascular health and COVID-19. DHA, a form of omega-3 fatty acid, shows promise in influencing how our body's clotting mechanism works. By integrating into cell membranes, DHA helps reduce inflammation and support overall epithelial function.

Studies indicate a positive link between increased DHA intake and lower risks of thrombotic outcomes, suggesting that it may be beneficial for those at risk of blood clots. The research highlights that both DHA and its counterpart, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), play a role in creating bioactive compounds that support cardiovascular health.

Given its safety profile, DHA emerges as a potential adjunctive treatment for individuals vulnerable to cardiovascular issues due to COVID-19. We also consider the optimal forms and dosages for maximum effectiveness, showing how accessible nutrition can aid in maintaining better heart health.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Improves inflammation
1 people found this helpful
This is my second time taking Now Foods DHA-500, and I'm pleased with its quality. The large capsules are easy to swallow. My son's facial inflammation has disappeared, and one capsule daily suffices for our family’s omega-3 needs. It’s essential for our heart, blood vessels, and brain health.
Read More
7.5
Reduces cholesterol risk
2 people found this helpful
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is vital for normal brain function and helps reduce blood clot formation through its anti-inflammatory effects. A proper intake of DHA can decrease the risk of mortality linked to cardiovascular accidents.
Read More
6
Supports brain health
1 people found this helpful
The elderly often have low DHA levels, risking future memory loss. Supplementing with DHA is ideal for brain care, helping to prevent dementia and blood clots. It can also alleviate stress and improve cardiovascular health.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 19 Researches
7.6
  • All Researches
We explored how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, influences blood clotting processes. The interest in EPA grew substantially after the 1970s when researchers Dyerberg and Bang noted that Greenland Eskimos had lower rates of coronary disease linked to their diet rich in marine lipids.

Their findings suggested that the higher levels of EPA led to reduced platelet aggregation, which essentially means that the blood clots less easily. This anti-clotting effect is significant since blood clots can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes.

Although studies have shown these promising effects, it’s crucial to note that much of the initial acclaim came from dietary observations rather than controlled clinical trials. This means that while we can relate high EPA intake to lower health risks in specific populations, we still need more rigorous studies to fully understand the impact of EPA on blood clotting across diverse groups.
Read More
We explored the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), particularly in the context of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), on blood clotting. The study highlighted how different subclasses of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), particularly HDL2 from ACS patients, interact with platelets during clot formation.

It became clear that HDL2 from ACS patients exhibited a stronger ability to inhibit platelet aggregation compared to HDL from healthy individuals. This ability to reduce clot formation is linked to the presence of specific oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids in the HDL2 particles.

We observed an inverse relationship between several oxidized fatty acids, such as 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) and others, and platelet aggregation. This means that higher levels of these oxidized fats were associated with less platelet activation and clotting, pointing to their potential role in enhancing the antithrombotic properties of HDL2 in ACS patients.

Overall, the findings suggest that EPA and its oxidized metabolites could play a key role in modifying HDL properties, thereby offering some protection against blood clots in individuals with ACS.
Read More
9
Fish oil may reduce clotting risk
We explored the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) found in fish oil supplements on the risk of blood clotting in patients with suspected coronary artery disease who weren’t taking lipid-lowering medications. The study included 600 consecutive patients, and we compared those taking fish oil to those who weren’t.

Our findings showed that fish oil supplementation was associated with beneficial changes in several cholesterol levels, particularly lower levels of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) cholesterol. This aligns with evidence that EPA could play a role in heart health.

Notably, patients who took fish oil demonstrated reduced platelet aggregation and lower levels of urinary thromboxane B2, a marker associated with blood clot formation. This suggests that fish oil could potentially help in lowering atherothrombotic risk, especially for those not on other cholesterol-lowering treatments.

While the results are promising, further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and better understand the independent effects of EPA on blood clotting.
Read More
8
DHA may reduce blood clots
We delved into the benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in relation to blood clotting, especially in the context of cardiovascular health and COVID-19. DHA, a form of omega-3 fatty acid, shows promise in influencing how our body's clotting mechanism works. By integrating into cell membranes, DHA helps reduce inflammation and support overall epithelial function.

Studies indicate a positive link between increased DHA intake and lower risks of thrombotic outcomes, suggesting that it may be beneficial for those at risk of blood clots. The research highlights that both DHA and its counterpart, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), play a role in creating bioactive compounds that support cardiovascular health.

Given its safety profile, DHA emerges as a potential adjunctive treatment for individuals vulnerable to cardiovascular issues due to COVID-19. We also consider the optimal forms and dosages for maximum effectiveness, showing how accessible nutrition can aid in maintaining better heart health.
Read More
8
We sought to understand how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, influences blood clotting and platelet activity. To do this, we examined DHA and its oxidized forms, known as oxylipins (11-HDHA and 14-HDHA), to see how they affected platelet function and the formation of blood clots.

The results were promising. We found that DHA and its oxylipins reduced the clustering of human platelets triggered by collagen, a key factor in clot formation. Notably, the oxylipins were particularly effective; they not only limited platelet activation but also decreased the secretion of substances critical for clotting. When we tested these substances in whole blood, we noted a significant reduction in the ability of platelets to adhere to surfaces coated with collagen, which is crucial in the early stages of clot formation.

Interestingly, our findings indicated that while DHA showed some effects, the real benefits seemed to come from the oxylipins, especially 11-HDHA and 14-HDHA. In mice studies, thrombus formation was significantly reduced with these compounds, highlighting their important role in managing platelet activation. We also discovered that these effects were linked to the activation of protein kinase A, a pathway that plays a role in cell signaling.

Overall, our research offers valuable insights into how DHA and its oxidative products can help inhibit harmful clot formation. This could have important implications for utilizing DHA as a treatment strategy in cardiovascular health.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 6 Reviews
7.5
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Improves inflammation
1 people found this helpful
This is my second time taking Now Foods DHA-500, and I'm pleased with its quality. The large capsules are easy to swallow. My son's facial inflammation has disappeared, and one capsule daily suffices for our family’s omega-3 needs. It’s essential for our heart, blood vessels, and brain health.
Read More
7.5
Reduces cholesterol risk
2 people found this helpful
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is vital for normal brain function and helps reduce blood clot formation through its anti-inflammatory effects. A proper intake of DHA can decrease the risk of mortality linked to cardiovascular accidents.
Read More
6
Supports brain health
1 people found this helpful
The elderly often have low DHA levels, risking future memory loss. Supplementing with DHA is ideal for brain care, helping to prevent dementia and blood clots. It can also alleviate stress and improve cardiovascular health.
Read More
6
Maintains heart health
This omega supplement is fantastic, rich in DHA, and beneficial for blood vessels and cholesterol levels. I take one or two capsules daily, depending on my meals.
Read More
2
Lowers cholesterol
2 people found this helpful
Improves the functioning of the central nervous system and normalises fat metabolism. It lowers "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood. I really like it!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Improves inflammation
1 people found this helpful
This is my second time taking Now Foods DHA-500, and I'm pleased with its quality. The large capsules are easy to swallow. My son's facial inflammation has disappeared, and one capsule daily suffices for our family’s omega-3 needs. It’s essential for our heart, blood vessels, and brain health.
7.5
Reduces cholesterol risk
2 people found this helpful
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is vital for normal brain function and helps reduce blood clot formation through its anti-inflammatory effects. A proper intake of DHA can decrease the risk of mortality linked to cardiovascular accidents.
6
Supports brain health
1 people found this helpful
The elderly often have low DHA levels, risking future memory loss. Supplementing with DHA is ideal for brain care, helping to prevent dementia and blood clots. It can also alleviate stress and improve cardiovascular health.
2
Lowers cholesterol
2 people found this helpful
Improves the functioning of the central nervous system and normalises fat metabolism. It lowers "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood. I really like it!
6
Maintains heart health
This omega supplement is fantastic, rich in DHA, and beneficial for blood vessels and cholesterol levels. I take one or two capsules daily, depending on my meals.
We set out to explore how docosahexaenoic acid, commonly known as DHA, influences blood clotting in patients with atrial fibrillation. In a detailed analysis of 2,373 individuals, we examined the relationship between total omega-3 fatty acids and specific clotting markers, D-dimer, and beta-thromboglobulin (BTG).

Our findings revealed that higher overall levels of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with lower levels of D-dimer and BTG, indicating a potential antithrombotic effect. Notably, individual omega-3s, including DHA, showed an inverse relationship with D-dimer levels, suggesting that as DHA increases, the likelihood of clot formation may decrease.

However, when it came to BTG, while DHA was linked to lower levels, the results also showed that EPA, another omega-3, had a positive correlation with BTG. This finding indicates that while DHA might play a beneficial role, the overall effects of omega-3 fatty acids on platelet activation could be complex.

In summary, the study suggests that higher levels of DHA could contribute to lower blood clotting markers, which is promising news for managing atrial fibrillation, but it also highlights the need for further investigation into the nuanced roles of different omega-3 fatty acids in blood clotting dynamics.
7
DHA may reduce blood clotting
We explored the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, on blood clotting and thrombus formation in our study. Instead of relying merely on simple lab tests, we aimed for a more realistic approach using human platelets exposed to DHA and stimulated with various agents that mimic the conditions found in growing blood clots.

Our results showed that while DHA did not significantly change many basic functions of platelets in conventional tests, it did have a notable impact on thrombin generation—a key factor in blood clotting. Specifically, DHA delayed the production of thrombin in both human samples and mouse models, which are critical for forming stable blood clots.

Furthermore, in mice fed a DHA-enriched diet, we observed reduced platelet accumulation in thrombi formed in both small arterioles and larger arteries. This contrasted with unchanged levels of P-selectin, which indicates platelet activation. These findings suggest that although DHA may not dramatically alter standard platelet activities, it has the potential to enhance heart health by reducing thrombin generation and diminishing the formation of blood clots in the body.

Overall, the study reinforces the idea that incorporating omega-3 fatty acids like DHA into our diet could offer cardioprotective benefits, particularly in managing blood clotting processes.
We examined how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), among other RXR ligands, impacts blood clotting. The study focused on the effects of these ligands on platelet responses to various stimulants, such as ADP and thrombin.

Our findings indicate that treatment with DHA led to a reduction in platelet activation, influencing processes like aggregation and calcium mobilization, which are crucial for thrombus formation. Notably, DHA also inhibited integrin activation, which plays a key role in blood clot stability.

Furthermore, we observed that DHA contributed to slowing down thrombus formation in laboratory settings. This aligns with the larger pattern where RXR ligands, including DHA, were found to negatively regulate platelet function, hinting at their potential cardioprotective effects in real-life scenarios.

These insights are particularly interesting since they suggest that DHA and other RXR ligands could serve as valuable tools for managing blood clotting disorders. Overall, while DHA showed promise in reducing the risks associated with excessive clotting, the broader mechanisms at play make it a topic worth exploring further.
We examined how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, influences the risk of blood clots associated with different types of ischemic strokes. The study analyzed data from three large US cohorts, allowing us to assess the relationship between DHA levels and the occurrence of total ischemic strokes, as well as their subtypes—atherothrombotic and cardioembolic strokes.

Our findings revealed that higher levels of DHA in the bloodstream were associated with a reduced risk of atherothrombotic stroke, which involves large- and small-vessel infarctions. Specifically, participants with the highest DHA levels had a 47% lower risk for this type of stroke compared to those with the lowest levels. On the other hand, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) showed a protective effect against cardioembolic strokes, reducing the risk by about 42%.

Interestingly, eicosapentaenoic acid did not appear to have a significant impact on the overall risk of ischemic stroke. These results suggest that DHA and DPA may operate through different mechanisms to reduce the risk of blood clots in specific stroke types, highlighting the importance of these omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular health.

Overall, our study underscores DHA's beneficial role in stroke prevention, particularly for those at risk of atherothrombotic and cardioembolic strokes.

References

  1. Reiner MF, Bertschi DA, Werlen L, Wiencierz A, Aeschbacher S, et al. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Markers of Thrombosis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16020178
  2. Lu LW, Quek SY, Lu SP, Chen JH. Potential Benefits of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (N3PUFAs) on Cardiovascular Health Associated with COVID-19: An Update for 2023. Metabolites. 2023;13. 10.3390/metabo13050630
  3. Yamaguchi A, Stanger L, Freedman CJ, Standley M, Hoang T, et al. DHA 12-LOX-derived oxylipins regulate platelet activation and thrombus formation through a PKA-dependent signaling pathway. J Thromb Haemost. 2021;19:839. 10.1111/jth.15184
  4. Takagaki S, Suzuki M, Suzuki E, Hasumi K. Unsaturated fatty acids enhance the fibrinolytic activity of subtilisin NAT (nattokinase). J Food Biochem. 2020;44:e13326. 10.1111/jfbc.13326
  5. Perry SC, Kalyanaraman C, Tourdot BE, Conrad WS, Akinkugbe O, et al. 15-Lipoxygenase-1 biosynthesis of 7S,14S-diHDHA implicates 15-lipoxygenase-2 in biosynthesis of resolvin D5. J Lipid Res. 2020;61:1087. 10.1194/jlr.RA120000777
  6. Akintoye E, Sethi P, Harris WS, Thompson PA, Marchioli R, et al. Fish Oil and Perioperative Bleeding. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2018;11:e004584. 10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.118.004584
  7. Adili R, Voigt EM, Bormann JL, Foss KN, Hurley LJ, et al. In vivo modeling of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid-mediated inhibition of both platelet function and accumulation in arterial thrombi. Platelets. 2019;30:271. 10.1080/09537104.2017.1420154
  8. Saber H, Yakoob MY, Shi P, Longstreth WT, Lemaitre RN, et al. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Incident Ischemic Stroke and Its Atherothrombotic and Cardioembolic Subtypes in 3 US Cohorts. Stroke. 2017;48:2678. 10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.018235
  9. Unsworth AJ, Flora GD, Sasikumar P, Bye AP, Sage T, et al. RXR Ligands Negatively Regulate Thrombosis and Hemostasis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2017;37:812. 10.1161/ATVBAHA.117.309207
  10. Elajami TK, Colas RA, Dalli J, Chiang N, Serhan CN, et al. Specialized proresolving lipid mediators in patients with coronary artery disease and their potential for clot remodeling. FASEB J. 2016;30:2792. 10.1096/fj.201500155R
  11. Yuan S, Li X, Morange PE, Bruzelius M, Larsson SC. Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: Mendelian Randomization Investigation. Nutrients. 2022;14. 10.3390/nu14163354
  12. Nakao S, Ishihara T, Tsujimura T, Iida O, Hata Y, et al. Effectiveness of hospital lipid-lowering protocol of intensive lipid-lowering therapy for patients with acute coronary syndrome. J Cardiol. 2022;79:391. 10.1016/j.jjcc.2021.10.005
  13. Djuricic I, Calder PC. Beneficial Outcomes of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Health: An Update for 2021. Nutrients. 2021;13. 10.3390/nu13072421
  14. Gaertner S, Auger C, Farooq MA, Pollet B, Khemais-Benkhiat S, et al. Oral Intake of EPA:DHA 6:1 by Middle-Aged Rats for One Week Improves Age-Related Endothelial Dysfunction in Both the Femoral Artery and Vein: Role of Cyclooxygenases. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21. 10.3390/ijms21030920
  15. Spector AA, Kim HY. Emergence of omega-3 fatty acids in biomedical research. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2019;140:47. 10.1016/j.plefa.2018.11.017
  16. Garcia C, Montée N, Faccini J, Series J, Meilhac O, et al. Acute coronary syndrome remodels the antiplatelet aggregation properties of HDL particle subclasses. J Thromb Haemost. 2018;16:933. 10.1111/jth.14003
  17. Franzese CJ, Bliden KP, Gesheff MG, Pandya S, Guyer KE, et al. Relation of fish oil supplementation to markers of atherothrombotic risk in patients with cardiovascular disease not receiving lipid-lowering therapy. Am J Cardiol. 2015;115:1204. 10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.02.002
  18. Sofi F, Giorgi G, Cesari F, Gori AM, Mannini L, et al. The atherosclerotic risk profile is affected differently by fish flesh with a similar EPA and DHA content but different n-6/n-3 ratio. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2013;22:32. 10.6133/apjcn.2013.22.1.12
  19. McEwen BJ, Morel-Kopp MC, Chen W, Tofler GH, Ward CM. Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on platelet function in healthy subjects and subjects with cardiovascular disease. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2013;39:25. 10.1055/s-0032-1333309
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