Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
Eicosapentaenoic acid / Docosahexaenoic acid
Also known as: Fish Oil, EPA, DHA
Overview
A well-documented nutrient gap in military and veteran populations. The military mean Omega-3 Index is 3.18% vs. a target of 8%+. Low DHA is independently associated with a 62% greater suicide risk in men.
Proposed mechanism
DHA is incorporated into neuronal membrane phospholipids, improving fluidity and synaptic transmission. EPA and DHA are also precursors to resolvins and protectins — pro-resolving mediators shown in cell and animal studies to actively help resolve inflammation rather than just suppress it. Human trials confirm that omega-3 supplementation raises circulating levels of these mediators, but direct evidence of this active-resolution effect occurring in people is still limited.
Mechanisms describe how researchers think a compound may act, often from laboratory work — a proposed mechanism is not proof of a clinical effect in people.
Traditional & studied uses
Related pathways
Pathway tags are a research aid for browsing the glossary — they are not a claim that this ingredient treats any condition.