Active Ingredient Research
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Relieves Arthritis & Allergy Inflammation.
Research Overview
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is found in fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, as well as in some algae. There are many potential health benefits associated with EPA:
Reducing inflammation: EPA has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a variety of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and allergies in dogs.
Improving joint and bone health: EPA has been shown to improve joint health and mobility in dogs with arthritis by reducing inflammation in the joints.
Promoting healthy skin and coat: EPA can help maintain healthy skin and coat in dogs by reducing inflammation and improving the skin's barrier function.
Help reduce metabolic syndrome associated with geriatric and Cushingoid dogs.
Improving heart health: EPA may help lower triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and reducing the risk of blood clots.
Supporting brain health: EPA is important for brain function and may help reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety.
Omega-3s may help improve inattention and decrease hyperactivity, impulsiveness, restlessness, and aggression.
Improve eye health and KCS dry-eye symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids may help treat and prevent several autoimmune diseases.
General Research References
Pubmed EPA Treatment Research Summary
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Eicosapentaenoic+Acid+%28EPA%29&filter=pubt.review
Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology - 9781416000280
https://www.elsevier.com/books/muller-and-kirks-small-animal-dermatology/miller/978-1-4160-0028-0
Small Animal Dermatology - 9780323376518
https://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/small-animal-dermatology-9780323376518.html
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fact Sheet
https://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/omega3fattyacids-consumer.pdf
17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: health benefits throughout life
Studies have shown that EPA and DHA are important for proper fetal development, including neuronal, retinal, and immune function. EPA and DHA may affect many aspects of cardiovascular function including inflammation, peripheral artery disease, major coronary events, and anticoagulation. EPA and DHA have been linked to promising results in prevention, weight management, and cognitive function in those with very mild Alzheimer's disease.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22332096/
General References
Pubmed EPA Treatment Research Summary
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Eicosapentaenoic+Acid+%28EPA%29&filter=pubt.review
Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology - 9781416000280
https://www.elsevier.com/books/muller-and-kirks-small-animal-dermatology/miller/978-1-4160-0028-0
Small Animal Dermatology - 9780323376518
https://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/small-animal-dermatology-9780323376518.html
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fact Sheet
https://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/omega3fattyacids-consumer.pdf
17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: health benefits throughout life
Studies have shown that EPA and DHA are important for proper fetal development, including neuronal, retinal, and immune function. EPA and DHA may affect many aspects of cardiovascular function including inflammation, peripheral artery disease, major coronary events, and anticoagulation. EPA and DHA have been linked to promising results in prevention, weight management, and cognitive function in those with very mild Alzheimer's disease.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22332096/
General Research References
Pubmed EPA Treatment Research Summary
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Eicosapentaenoic+Acid+%28EPA%29&filter=pubt.review
Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology - 9781416000280
https://www.elsevier.com/books/muller-and-kirks-small-animal-dermatology/miller/978-1-4160-0028-0
Small Animal Dermatology - 9780323376518
https://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/small-animal-dermatology-9780323376518.html
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fact Sheet
https://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/omega3fattyacids-consumer.pdf
17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: health benefits throughout life
Studies have shown that EPA and DHA are important for proper fetal development, including neuronal, retinal, and immune function. EPA and DHA may affect many aspects of cardiovascular function including inflammation, peripheral artery disease, major coronary events, and anticoagulation. EPA and DHA have been linked to promising results in prevention, weight management, and cognitive function in those with very mild Alzheimer's disease.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22332096/
Anti-Inflammatory & Joint Health Benefits
References
Effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil on in vivo production of inflammatory mediators in clinically normal dogs
Results supported the use of EPA- and DHA-enriched diets as part of antiinflammatory treatments for dogs with chronic inflammatory diseases.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18380580/
Canine plasma and erythrocyte response to a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched supplement: characterization and potential benefits
Studies describing some of the neurologic, renal, cardiovascular, immune, and musculoskeletal effects of elevated blood levels of n-3 fatty acids are reviewed.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15906268/
A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on the clinical signs and erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in dogs with osteoarthritis
This study demonstrated that the daily supplementation of a dogs diet with EPA and DHA shifts the blood fatty acid concentrations correlating to relief of clinical signs associated with OA in dogs.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27269707/
References
Effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil on in vivo production of inflammatory mediators in clinically normal dogs
Results supported the use of EPA- and DHA-enriched diets as part of antiinflammatory treatments for dogs with chronic inflammatory diseases.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18380580/
Canine plasma and erythrocyte response to a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched supplement: characterization and potential benefits
Studies describing some of the neurologic, renal, cardiovascular, immune, and musculoskeletal effects of elevated blood levels of n-3 fatty acids are reviewed.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15906268/
A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on the clinical signs and erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in dogs with osteoarthritis
This study demonstrated that the daily supplementation of a dogs diet with EPA and DHA shifts the blood fatty acid concentrations correlating to relief of clinical signs associated with OA in dogs.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27269707/
References
Effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil on in vivo production of inflammatory mediators in clinically normal dogs
Results supported the use of EPA- and DHA-enriched diets as part of antiinflammatory treatments for dogs with chronic inflammatory diseases.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18380580/
Canine plasma and erythrocyte response to a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched supplement: characterization and potential benefits
Studies describing some of the neurologic, renal, cardiovascular, immune, and musculoskeletal effects of elevated blood levels of n-3 fatty acids are reviewed.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15906268/
A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on the clinical signs and erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in dogs with osteoarthritis
This study demonstrated that the daily supplementation of a dogs diet with EPA and DHA shifts the blood fatty acid concentrations correlating to relief of clinical signs associated with OA in dogs.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27269707/
Immune & Heart Support Benefits
References
Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Immune Cells - PMC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6834330/
Omega-3 backed to boost immune response, not just battle inflammation: Study
https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2013/04/02/Omega-3-backed-to-boost-immune-health-not-just-battle-inflammation
Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Omega-3 FAs reduced cardiovascular mortality and improved cardiovascular outcomes. The cardiovascular risk reduction was more prominent with EPA monotherapy than with EPA+DHA.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34505026/
References
Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Immune Cells - PMC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6834330/
Omega-3 backed to boost immune response, not just battle inflammation: Study
https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2013/04/02/Omega-3-backed-to-boost-immune-health-not-just-battle-inflammation
Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Omega-3 FAs reduced cardiovascular mortality and improved cardiovascular outcomes. The cardiovascular risk reduction was more prominent with EPA monotherapy than with EPA+DHA.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34505026/
References
Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Immune Cells - PMC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6834330/
Omega-3 backed to boost immune response, not just battle inflammation: Study
https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2013/04/02/Omega-3-backed-to-boost-immune-health-not-just-battle-inflammation
Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Omega-3 FAs reduced cardiovascular mortality and improved cardiovascular outcomes. The cardiovascular risk reduction was more prominent with EPA monotherapy than with EPA+DHA.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34505026/
Skin, Gland, Allergy & Dry Eye Support Benefits
References
The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1203475420929925
Essential Fatty Acids for Integumentary Disease in Animals - Pharmacology - Merck Veterinary Manual
Omega-3 fatty acids can potentially help dogs with allergies by reducing inflammation and improving the overall health of their skin and coat. Allergies in dogs can manifest in various ways, including skin irritation, itching, and inflammation, and omega-3s may help alleviate these symptoms.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-integumentary-system/essential-fatty-acids-for-integumentary-disease-in-animals
Lipid mediators have important roles for the pathophysiology of the allergic diseases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31465315/
Oral omega 3 in different proportions of EPA, DHA, and antioxidants as adjuvant in treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) in dogs
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30208145/
References
The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1203475420929925
Essential Fatty Acids for Integumentary Disease in Animals - Pharmacology - Merck Veterinary Manual
Omega-3 fatty acids can potentially help dogs with allergies by reducing inflammation and improving the overall health of their skin and coat. Allergies in dogs can manifest in various ways, including skin irritation, itching, and inflammation, and omega-3s may help alleviate these symptoms.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-integumentary-system/essential-fatty-acids-for-integumentary-disease-in-animals
Lipid mediators have important roles for the pathophysiology of the allergic diseases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31465315/
Oral omega 3 in different proportions of EPA, DHA, and antioxidants as adjuvant in treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) in dogs
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30208145/
References
The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1203475420929925
Essential Fatty Acids for Integumentary Disease in Animals - Pharmacology - Merck Veterinary Manual
Omega-3 fatty acids can potentially help dogs with allergies by reducing inflammation and improving the overall health of their skin and coat. Allergies in dogs can manifest in various ways, including skin irritation, itching, and inflammation, and omega-3s may help alleviate these symptoms.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-integumentary-system/essential-fatty-acids-for-integumentary-disease-in-animals
Lipid mediators have important roles for the pathophysiology of the allergic diseases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31465315/
Oral omega 3 in different proportions of EPA, DHA, and antioxidants as adjuvant in treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) in dogs
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30208145/
Brain & Mental Health Support Benefits
References
EPA but not DHA appears to be responsible for the efficacy of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in depression: evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
The current meta-analysis provides evidence that EPA may be more efficacious than DHA in treating depression.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20439549/
International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research Practice Guidelines for Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31480057/
The differential effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
This study demonstrates that EPA and DHA are effective in reducing seizure frequency in patients with DRE.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30170260/
References
EPA but not DHA appears to be responsible for the efficacy of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in depression: evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
The current meta-analysis provides evidence that EPA may be more efficacious than DHA in treating depression.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20439549/
International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research Practice Guidelines for Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31480057/
The differential effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
This study demonstrates that EPA and DHA are effective in reducing seizure frequency in patients with DRE.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30170260/
References
EPA but not DHA appears to be responsible for the efficacy of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in depression: evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
The current meta-analysis provides evidence that EPA may be more efficacious than DHA in treating depression.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20439549/
International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research Practice Guidelines for Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31480057/
The differential effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
This study demonstrates that EPA and DHA are effective in reducing seizure frequency in patients with DRE.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30170260/
Cancer Prevention Benefits
References
Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review
EPA; Eicosapentaenoic acid; cats; docosahexaenoic acid; dogs; omega-3 fatty acids; review; supplementation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33910819/
Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review
EPA and DHA supplementation has proven benefits in the adjuvant treatment of various neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases in dogs and cats.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33910819/
References
Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review
EPA; Eicosapentaenoic acid; cats; docosahexaenoic acid; dogs; omega-3 fatty acids; review; supplementation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33910819/
Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review
EPA and DHA supplementation has proven benefits in the adjuvant treatment of various neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases in dogs and cats.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33910819/
References
Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review
EPA; Eicosapentaenoic acid; cats; docosahexaenoic acid; dogs; omega-3 fatty acids; review; supplementation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33910819/
Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review
EPA and DHA supplementation has proven benefits in the adjuvant treatment of various neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases in dogs and cats.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33910819/