EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) – what is it?
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is a long-chain, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid. The chain of the fatty acid consists of 20 carbon molecules, and the first bound out of five double bounds is located at the third carbon from the omega end, which is characteristic for omega-3 acids. It is present in large quantities in fish oils, where it is accompanied by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
EPA is a precursor to prostaglandins and other eicosanoids, which contributes to the reduction in inflammations. It is involved in inhibition of platelets aggregation. It contributes also to the reduction in triglycerides level in blood. EPA block the activity of an enzyme, phospholipase A2, present on cell membranes, which under the influence of stressors can release polyunsaturated fatty acid (from the group of eicosanoids) into the glycerol skeleton. To some extent, EPA can be also converted into 22-carbon DHA. The both acids have positive impact on the condition of the nervous system and cardiovascular health.
Eicosapentaenoic acid contained in dietary supplements with omega-3, which are available in the offer of muscle-zone.pl