Made in the EU Health registration 26.025358/GI EU-authorised health claims

Pack Vida

Science library

Omega-3 studies

EPA and DHA are among the most researched nutrients in nutrition. These are the papers that have defined how much we need, how to measure it and why origin matters.

  • 15key studies
  • 2002–2026years of research
  • 5study types

15 key studies from 2002 to 2026, with a link to the original source.

2020-2026

  1. 2026

    Scientific opinionSafety

    Scientific Opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for supplemental docosahexaenoic acid

    EFSA (NDA Panel) · EFSA Journal · 2026

    What was studied
    Reviewed the safety of DHA from food supplements.
    Key point
    Keeps the safe intake of supplemental DHA, taken alone, at 1 g per day. Our omega-3 provides 360 mg.
    Read the source
  2. 2023

    Scoping reviewOmega-3 index

    The influence of dietary and supplemental omega-3 fatty acids on the omega-3 index: A scoping review

    Dempsey M., Rockwell M.S., Wentz L.M. · Frontiers in Nutrition · 2023

    What was studied
    Reviewed 58 studies to analyse how the dose and form of omega-3 influence the omega-3 index.
    Key point
    The daily amount of EPA and DHA and consistency over weeks are the keys to building the index.
    Read the source
  3. 2021

    ReviewGeneral

    Beneficial Outcomes of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Health: An Update for 2021

    Djuricic I., Calder P.C. · Nutrients · 2021

    What was studied
    Updated the evidence on omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and human health.
    Key point
    A recent overview of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
    Read the source
  4. 2020

    ReviewOmega-3 index

    Omega-3 index in 2018/19

    Von Schacky C. · Proceedings of the Nutrition Society · 2020

    What was studied
    Updated the status of the omega-3 index as a marker of EPA and DHA intake.
    Key point
    Consolidates the omega-3 index as a tool to personalise intake.
    Read the source

2010-2019

  1. 2016

    ReviewBrain

    DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function

    Lauritzen L. et al. · Nutrients · 2016

    What was studied
    Reviewed the role of DHA in brain development and function.
    Key point
    Looks closely at how DHA is incorporated into brain membranes throughout life.
    Read the source
  2. 2015

    Scientific statementFish

    Statement on the benefits of fish/seafood consumption compared to the risks of methylmercury

    EFSA (Scientific Committee) · EFSA Journal · 2015

    What was studied
    Compared the benefits of eating fish with the risks of methylmercury.
    Key point
    Recommended prioritising species with less methylmercury, especially for the most sensitive groups.
    Read the source
  3. 2013

    ReviewAbsorption

    Bioavailability of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids

    Schuchardt J.P., Hahn A. · Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids · 2013

    What was studied
    Analysed the factors that influence the bioavailability of long-chain omega-3s.
    Key point
    Taking them with a meal that contains fat supports their absorption.
    Read the source
  4. 2012

    Scientific opinionSafety

    Scientific Opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)

    EFSA (NDA Panel) · EFSA Journal · 2012

    What was studied
    Analysed the safety of EPA, DHA and DPA intake.
    Key point
    Considered intakes of up to 5 g per day of combined EPA and DHA safe for adults.
    Read the source
  5. 2012

    ReviewGeneral

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits Throughout Life

    Swanson D., Block R., Mousa S.A. · Advances in Nutrition · 2012

    What was studied
    Reviewed the role of EPA and DHA at different stages of life.
    Key point
    A reference review on long-chain omega-3s, from pregnancy to adulthood.
    Read the source
  6. 2010

    Scientific opinionRegulation

    Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to EPA, DHA and DPA

    EFSA (NDA Panel) · EFSA Journal · 2010

    What was studied
    Assessed the health claims for EPA and DHA.
    Key point
    The scientific basis of the authorised claims on heart, brain and vision.
    Read the source
  7. 2010

    Scientific opinionIntake

    Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for fats

    EFSA (NDA Panel) · EFSA Journal · 2010

    What was studied
    Set the reference intake values for fats for the European population.
    Key point
    Set the adequate intake for adults at 250 mg of EPA + DHA per day.
    Read the source

2002-2009

  1. 2008

    ReviewBrain

    Dietary omega 3 fatty acids and the developing brain

    Innis S.M. · Brain Research · 2008

    What was studied
    Reviewed the role of DHA in brain development and function.
    Key point
    Describes DHA as an essential component of neuronal membranes.
    Read the source
  2. 2006

    ReviewFish

    Fish intake, contaminants, and human health: evaluating the risks and the benefits

    Mozaffarian D., Rimm E.B. · JAMA · 2006

    What was studied
    Assessed the benefits of eating fish against the risks of its contaminants.
    Key point
    Concluded that, for the general population, the benefits of eating fish outweigh the risks.
    Read the source
  3. 2004

    Original articleOmega-3 index

    The Omega-3 Index: a new risk factor for death from coronary heart disease?

    Harris W.S., von Schacky C. · Preventive Medicine · 2004

    What was studied
    Proposed the omega-3 index: the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes.
    Key point
    The birth of the marker biohackers use today to measure omega-3 intake.
    Read the source
  4. 2002

    Scientific statementHeart

    Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease

    Kris-Etherton P.M., Harris W.S., Appel L.J. (AHA) · Circulation · 2002

    What was studied
    The American Heart Association reviewed the relationship between fish, fish oil, omega-3 and cardiovascular health.
    Key point
    Recommended that adults eat fish, preferably oily fish, at least twice a week.
    Read the source

The summaries describe each study in plain language. For full details, always consult the original source.

What European regulation recognises

EU-authorised health claim

EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.

With 250 mg of EPA and DHA per day.

EU-authorised health claim

DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function.

With 250 mg of DHA per day.

EU-authorised health claim

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.

With 250 mg of DHA per day.

Other timelines