Omega-3 Fatty Acid
EPA
Also known as: Eicosapentaenoic Acid
An omega-3 fatty acid known for its role in mood regulation and inflammation control.
KÖGN Health grades EPA as A+ (Strong evidence) and rates it 4.4 out of 5.
Last reviewed · June 2026
Primary effects
- Improved mood
- Reduced inflammation
- Cognitive support
How it works
Reduces inflammation and supports neurotransmitter function linked to mood and cognition.
Overview
EPA is particularly effective for mood and emotional regulation, often showing stronger effects than DHA in this area. It plays a key role in reducing systemic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to cognitive decline and mental health issues. It is typically consumed alongside DHA as part of a balanced omega-3 intake.
The evidence
EPA is the omega-3 most associated with mood rather than memory. Meta-analyses of randomised trials in depression find that EPA-predominant supplements (roughly 60%+ EPA) outperform DHA-predominant ones, with the clearest benefit as an add-on in people with diagnosed depression. Its direct effect on memory or focus in healthy people is not well established.
How to dose it
Depression trials commonly use 1–2 g/day of EPA, often as an EPA-predominant formula. It is usually taken with food.
When to take it
Chronic — mood effects build over several weeks.
Safety & side effects
Well tolerated; fishy reflux and loose stools are the usual complaints, and high omega-3 doses are mildly blood-thinning.
Who should avoid it
Take care with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication and before surgery. EPA is an adjunct, not a replacement for treatment of depression — discuss it with whoever manages your care. See the Omega-3 entry for the combined picture.
References
Related ingredients
Graded entries that target the same cognitive goals.
Categories
Draft — the dose, safety and evidence notes on this entry were prepared from the published literature and are pending editorial and clinical review.
Educational information, not medical advice. The evidence grade is KÖGN’s editorial assessment of published research, not a health claim. Speak to a qualified clinician before changing what you take.