DPA

Docosapentaenoic Acid

What's

DPA

Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA) may not be as well-known as its omega-3 fatty acid relatives, EPA and DHA, but it's still essential for your health. Found in cold-water fatty fish and mother's milk, DPA helps support the normal growth and function of your brain and nervous system. It also plays a part in keeping your heart healthy. What's great about DPA is that it can change into either EPA or DHA when needed, making it a valuable nutrient for your body.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated levels of Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA) might mean that you're consuming a lot of omega-3 rich foods, like cold-water fatty fish, or taking omega-3 supplements. It could also indicate that your body is doing a good job of converting other omega-3 fatty acids into DPA. Some medications, especially those for heart health or inflammation, might affect your DPA levels too. In certain cases, high DPA levels could be a sign of metabolic or nutritional imbalances in your body.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of DPA are generally not well-defined, as DPA is typically beneficial for health. However, if the increase is due to excessive supplementation, one might experience symptoms related to high omega-3 intake, such as thinning blood or digestive issues.

If Your Levels are Low

Low DPA levels might mean that you're not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, possibly because you're not eating enough fatty fish or other foods rich in omega-3s. Some medications or health issues could also make it harder for your body to absorb or change these important fatty acids. Another reason could be that you're eating too many omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in processed foods and vegetable oils, as this can make it harder for your body to use omega-3s. Your age, genes, and overall health can also affect your DPA levels.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of DPA could include cognitive difficulties, mood swings, and poor cardiovascular health.

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See References

Test for

Docosapentaenoic Acid

NutrEval® Plasma by Genova Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

Plasma

The NutrEval® Plasma evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 2 years of age.

NutrEval® FMV by Genova Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

The NutrEval® FMV evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

Metabolomix+ Add-On: Bloodspot Essential & Metabolic Fatty Acids by Genova Diagnostics

Blood Spot

This test measures fatty acids to determine cardiovascular risk. It can only be added to the Metabolomix+. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids by Access Med Labs

Whole Blood

This test measures Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are used to monitor patients on omega-3 supplementation/therapy to determine treatment efficacy.

Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids by Access Labcorp Draw

Whole Blood

This test measures Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to monitor patients with cardiovascular disease and those on omega-3 supplementation/therapy to determine treatment efficacy.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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