Both Eiscosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DPA) are popularly termed as essential fatty acids. EPA and DHA are the two active ingredients of the Omega-3 fatty acids which are polyunsaturated fats having very important roles for the body to function well.
Importance of EPA and DHA in the body:
EPA and DHA have shown necessary nutrients in order to keep the brain and retina healthy. DHA serves as the brain (forming about 8% of the brain by weight) and the retina's building block of tissue. It aids in the formation of neural transmitters which is important for proper brain function. It is also found in the eye's retina therefore the right intakes of DHA is beneficial to keep healthy amounts of DHA for normal eye function. On the other hand, EPA is important in the functioning of the brain's nerve stimulation making it very essential in the daily activities of the brain. In recent studies, a strong form of EPA helps in treating patients suffering from depression and schizophrenia.
According to studies, high percentage of DHA concentrations in the fetus' brain is increased for about 300-500% during the last trimester of pregnancy that is therefore pregnant women are advised to maintain an adequate supply of EPA DHA in the body to ensure proper brain development of the fetus.
Infants need high amounts of DHA during their first two years of life to support brain growth. This is why there are lots of infant milk formulas containing DHA. You can ask your physicians about these products.
As we age, our bodies are unable to create and produce the right amount of EPA and DHA. This may result to decreased mental focus, mental abnormalities, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia . Taking in preparations containing EPA and DHA are highly recommended to avoid EPA and DHA decrease in our bodies.
EPA and DHA are converted into hormone like substances. The most common of these are the prostaglandins which are responsible in regulating cell functions and in promoting healthy cardiovascular activities.
Other benefits from having enough amounts of EPA and DPA in the body are:
It insulates the body against heat loss
Prevents skin from drying
Avoids skin from flaking and chapping
Protects tissues and organs of the body
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