Omega-3 (Fish Oil EPA/DHA)

EPA and DHA incorporate into cell membrane phospholipids, altering membrane fluidity, receptor function, and signal transduction. Once incorporated, they serve as substrates for specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) including resolvins (E-series from EPA, D-series from DHA), protectins, and maresins. These SPMs actively resolve inflammation rather than merely blocking it - a fundamentally different mechanism than NSAIDs or steroids.,EPA competes with arachidonic acid (AA, an omega-6) for cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, shifting eicosanoid production toward less inflammatory 3-series prostaglandins and 5-series leukotrienes. This reduces pro-inflammatory signaling, platelet aggregation, and vasoconstriction. EPA also directly lowers hepatic triglyceride synthesis by activating PPAR-alpha and suppressing SREBP-1c.,DHA is highly concentrated in the brain (up to 30% of total phospholipid fatty acids in gray matter) and retina, where it supports synaptic membrane fluidity, neurogenesis, BDNF expression, and visual pigment function. DHA is also a precursor to neuroprotectin D1, which protects neurons from oxidative and ischemic injury.

EPA and DHA incorporate into cell membrane phospholipids, altering membrane fluidity, receptor function, and signal transduction. Once incorporated, they serve as substrates for specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) including resolvins (E-series from EPA, D-series from DHA), protectins, and maresins. These SPMs actively resolve inflammation rather than merely blocking it - a fundamentally different mechanism than NSAIDs or steroids.,EPA competes with arachidonic acid (AA, an omega-6) for cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, shifting eicosanoid production toward less inflammatory 3-series prostaglandins and 5-series leukotrienes. This reduces pro-inflammatory signaling, platelet aggregation, and vasoconstriction. EPA also directly lowers hepatic triglyceride synthesis by activating PPAR-alpha and suppressing SREBP-1c.,DHA is highly concentrated in the brain (up to 30% of total phospholipid fatty acids in gray matter) and retina, where it supports synaptic membrane fluidity, neurogenesis, BDNF expression, and visual pigment function. DHA is also a precursor to neuroprotectin D1, which protects neurons from oxidative and ischemic injury.

What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.

Storage. Refrigerate after opening to prevent oxidation. Store liquid fish oils in refrigerator at all times. Softgels stable at room temperature unopened; refrigerate after opening. Use within 3-6 months of opening. Rancid fish oil smells strongly fishy/acrid and should be discarded - oxidized omega-3 may be pro-inflammatory rather than anti-inflammatory.

Classified as a dietary supplement in the US. Prescription form (icosapent ethyl, Vascepa) approved for hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular risk reduction in high-risk patients. Over-the-counter fish oils vary enormously in quality - look for IFOS 5-star certification, TOTOX <26, and third-party testing for heavy metals and PCBs.