eicosapentaenoic acid

noun

ei·​co·​sa·​pen·​ta·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌī-kō-sə-ˌpen-tə-ē-ˈnō-ik- 

: an omega-3 fatty acid C₂₀H₃₀O₂ found especially in fish oils

Examples of eicosapentaenoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The omega-3 fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2025

Sardines Sardines are an excellent source of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). —Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 Dec. 2024

The goal: to identify specialized pro-resolving mediators, produced by the body from omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), during the resolution phase of acute inflammation. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024

Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Sardines provide two types of fatty acids—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Incorporating fatty fish with high omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), such as herring, mackerel, and salmon, may help regulate blood pressure. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Seafood is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA), and vitamins and minerals. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Sep. 2024

During pregnancy, the body converts ALA to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two essential fatty acids. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024

Potentially helpful supplements for insulin resistance include the following: Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) can help reduce inflammation and support cell membrane health, facilitating better insulin signaling. —Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary eicosa- twenty (from Greek eikosa-, from eikosi) + penta- + -ene + -oic — more at vigesimal

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

eicosapentaenoic acid

noun

ei·​co·​sa·​pen·​ta·​e·​no·​ic acid ˌī-kō-sə-ˌpen-tə-ē-ˌnō-ik-, -i-ˌnō-ik- 

: an omega-3 fatty acid C₂₀H₃₀O₂ found especially in the oil of cold-water fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and herring)

—abbreviation EPA