Docosapentaenoic Acid: A Review of Roles in Nutrition and Health

Abstract

Background: Omega-3 FAs are essential nutrients that play crucial roles in various aspects of human health, including cardiovascular health, brain function, and eye health. They are anti-inflammatory and support cellular functions. In plant foods, alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is the main omega-3 FA. Aim: This review was aimed at documenting the roles of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) in human nutrition and health, and to point out some potential areas of future research involving it. Methodology: It is a literature review of the emerging roles of DPA in nutrition and health. It was conducted between 1st July and 11th September, 2025. Results: DPA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in tissues in association with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, unlike EPA and DHA, its specific roles have not been extensively studied in clinical studies. DPA is found naturally in cold-water fatty fish, microalgae, krill, seal and whale blubber, beef and mutton from grass-fed ruminants, dairy products and eggs. Its biosynthesis from EPA is inefficient, and the conversion from EPA is lower in men than in women. High intake of omega-6 fatty acids reduces DPA synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum due to competition for the same enzymes. DPA plays a role in cognitive development, immune function, neural health and risk reduction of cardiovascular events and inflammation. Its abundance in mother’s milk, the retina and the brain points to its importance in infant and child development and adult well-being. EFSA has set EPA+DHA daily values for general well-being, but Australia and New Zealand provide daily intake values for pregnancy and lactation for those at 14-50 years of age. To avert the consequences of deficiency, DPA-based drugs and supplements are increasingly available. Conclusion: Although the functions of DPA seem to overlap with those of EPA and DHA, its specific roles in human metabolism and well-being are not firmly established. The amount needed for well-being and its upper tolerable limit for various age groups, gender and health conditions requires establishment. The mechanism of action of the DPA-derived pro-resolving mediators in inflammation requires elucidation.